County Executive to Hold Series of Listening Sessions Regarding 2013 County Budget

First Session in Sun Prairie, September 10^th; Verona on September 17th
 

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi announced today that he will hold a series of listening sessions in September to allow residents to provide their input for his 2013 budget proposal.

Deep cuts from the state level, combined with the continued strain from the most restrictive levy cap in state history, continue to make the county budgeting process challenging for 2013.  It will cost Dane County $4-million more to provide the same services next year that it has in 2012.  State revenue caps mean the county can only legally levy taxes to cover 25% of that higher “cost to continue.”

“While we are in an improved position heading into next year, there is difficult work ahead to ensure our residents continue to receive the services they depend on and deserve,” Parisi said. “Because we projected revenues conservatively, negotiated savings with our workers, and created effective partnerships to fund services, we start our work on the 2013 with a strengthening county fiscal foundation.”

The County Executive has been working since January on ways to secure savings for next year’s budget.  Parisi negotiated agreements with county workers, saving nearly $2-million for next year even before the 2013 budgeting process started.  Parisi noted there is additional uncertainty heading into next year given the unknowns of the next state biennial budget that will likely become law about halfway through next year.

Two of the listening sessions will be done jointly with the Dane County Board and focus primarily on the proposed human services budget – human services account for nearly 50% of Dane County’s nearly $500 million budget.  The other two sessions will take place in Sun Prairie on September 10^th, and Verona on September 17th, respectively.  A full list of budget listening session dates and locations can be found below.