The Dane County Board approved the 2026 county budget on Wednesday.
Some highlights of the budget include $825.6 million for operating costs, $90.5 million for capital investments and a 1.29% increase in property taxes. For a Madison house valued at $481,300, the tax increase would be just over $15.
The budget must be reviewed and signed by Dane County Executive Melissa Agard.
“This budget represents the collective effort of so many across every area of county government,” County Board Chair Patrick Miles said in a statement. “Despite significant challenges — driven by state-imposed revenue limits, federal gridlock and funding uncertainty — we’ve passed a responsible and equitable budget that ensures that the needs of our community continue to be served. Every department made sacrifices and found innovative ways to do more with less.
The approved budget includes the following provisions:
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Preserves all current Dane County Sheriff’s Office positions, meeting public safety needs;
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Reduces the additional 4% cut to community-based nonprofit (POS) agencies to 1%, helping maintain critical health and social services;
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Invests in homelessness prevention and shelter operations, including $1.06 million in operational support for the Bartillon Men’s Shelter and $440,000 for outreach and overflow shelter capacity; and
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Supports behavioral health services and affordable housing initiatives, including funding for regional housing coordination and crisis stabilization efforts.
