Read it and . . . show up to the listening session to let him know what you think!
To: Department and Division Heads
From: Mayor Paul R. Soglin
Subject: 2016 Operating Budget InstructionsWhile the majority party in the State Legislature fails to make critical investments in transportation and economic development services to our state’s businesses, tourists and families, our city will continue to do its part to help our state’s communities grow despite strict limits on financing essential local services and limited assistance from the state.
Madison’s housing economy is improving, with property values growing over 4% in 2014, compared to 3% in 2013. Average home values are up nearly 3.5%, the second consecutive year of growth. Madison continues to help our fellow Wisconsinites through our strong growth and commitment to quality public services.
Despite the lack of state support, the past few City budgets have made investments and strengthened partnerships. Compensation for City staff has been kept as balanced as possible despite limits on labor-management relations under state law. Falling fuel prices for the City fleet provided sufficient savings to help limit growth in pay inequity among City employee groups. The 2015 budget invested in child care, youth employment, neighborhood centers, affordable housing and improved technology access.
Budget challenges continue in 2016. The Finance Department estimates that one-time revenue and spending effects from the 2015 budget, along with costs for scheduled pay increases under collective bargaining agreements and corresponding increases in pay for all other employees, anticipated health insurance premiums and other benefit commitments, debt service on city capital borrowing, on-going city funding for essential public safety services, and other commitments are expected to total over $7 million.
These challenges require that we continue to seek ways to find savings in the budget. I hope that we can maintain essential city services next year as well as address issues related to neighborhood development, racial equity and social justice, food policy and high-speed technology access in Madison. Jobs for all Madison residents make our entire economy stronger, helping families and stabilizing the neighborhoods they live in.
As you work with the Finance Department to prepare your agency budget requests, overall funding should not exceed 2015 amounts, except to fully fund already enacted commitments and certain cost-to-continue items. You should also prepare an alternate budget that includes specific proposals to reduce your requested budget by 3%.
Here’s the info on Community Budget Conversation
July 2, 2015
Dear Neighborhood Leaders,
It is that time of year again when I begin to formulate my Executive Operating Budget for the coming year. Madison continues to be faced with the constraints of limited revenue options, levy limits, and continuing cost pressures for services, calling on us to be even more strategic in determining how resources are allocated.
As I prepare to make decisions regarding the 2016 Executive Operating Budget I ask you to take part in a Community Budget Conversation regarding next year’s budget.
This year’s Community Budget Conversation will take place Tuesday, July 14th, at the Central Library from 6:00-7:30pm. This year we will use a new interactive session focused on prioritizing spending to ensure budget decisions are consistent with achieving our goals for Madison.
Please share information regarding this event with members of your organization and neighborhood encouraging them to take part. This is an important opportunity for community members to share feedback prior to the release of the 2016 Executive Budget.
If you have questions regarding this event, please contact Laura Larsen in the Finance Department at 608-266-4671.
I look forward to seeing you on July 14th.
