Madison Reporter

The City of Madison is confronting a $22 million budget gap due to factors such as population growth, the lingering effects of COVID-19, and state levy limit constraints. These challenges have made it difficult for the city to cover increasing service costs as revenues lag behind inflation and growth.

Alder Marsha Rummel from District 6 is hosting a virtual event titled "District 6: Budget Outlook for 2025" to discuss the financial situation. Residents will learn about the impacts on District 6, Downtown, and near Eastside regions of Madison. The event will feature a presentation on the 2025 City Budget followed by a Q&A session. Rummel encourages residents to consider how city services affect their quality of life and what might happen if significant cuts are necessary.

The presentation will provide an overview of both the Capital and Operating Budgets for 2025, explaining their differences. It will also highlight the Council’s guidance on budget priorities reflecting city values. The current structural deficit situation will be discussed, along with actions taken by the city so far. Two proposals for the 2025 Budget will be presented: one including an Executive Budget with a Referendum and another without it. Rummel plans to address potential long-term solutions and possible service cuts in future years.

Rummel emphasizes that “budgets are value documents” and aims to serve marginalized populations effectively while addressing disparities, reducing emissions, ensuring wage parity for municipal workers, adding affordable housing units, providing services for homeless individuals, improving safety measures, and enhancing neighborhood stability. She states, “I love supporting our parks, libraries, public art, and active engaged neighborhoods.”

The virtual event is scheduled for Thursday, October 17th at 6:30 pm via Zoom. Registration is required to receive login information through www.cityofmadison.com/District6Budget.

For further details or assistance with registration, contact Alder Marsha Rummel at district6@cityofmadison.com or Lorissa Banuelos at lbanuelos@cityofmadison.com. Residents can also reach out to the Common Council Office via council@cityofmadison.com or call (608) 266-4071.

The Madison Common Council's mission is to represent Madison residents by promoting community safety, health, and well-being while upholding core values such as equity and civic engagement.