Dane County Board Chair Encourages Public Engagement in 2026 Budget Formation & Review Process
September 02, 2025
Dylan Moffitt, Policy, Outreach, and Communications Coordinator, (608) 228-9053
County Board
Series of Budget Hearings Set to Begin in September
DANE COUNTY, Wis. — Dane County Board Chair Patrick Miles released the following statement urging residents to take an active role in shaping the county’s 2026 budget, in advance of public hearings and deliberations that will begin in September:
“Dane County has long been recognized as a leader in providing innovative, people-centered services that improve lives—from protecting our lakes and parks to investing in mental health, public safety, and sustainability. We are incredibly proud of what our county government delivers for the community. However, this year presents one of the most challenging budget cycles we’ve faced in recent memory. Confronted with a significant structural deficit, we must make difficult decisions to balance a fiscally balanced budget that maintains critical services for the 2026 calendar year.
“That’s why public input is more critical than ever. We need to hear from the residents of Dane County to understand what matters most to them and where they believe our limited resources should be directed. I encourage everyone to attend hearings, submit testimony, and follow the process closely. The voices of our constituents are vital in shaping a budget that reflects our shared values.”
The Dane County Board of Supervisors remains committed to transparency, accountability, and public engagement. We encourage county residents to participate in the upcoming hearings and meetings where department requests, the County Executive’s budget proposal, and County Board Supervisor budget amendments will be reviewed and deliberated.
The 2026 budget review process will kick off next week with three public hearings focused on department budget requests, where residents will have an opportunity to hear directly from county departments about their funding priorities for the next calendar year:
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Department Budget Request Hearings |
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Tues, Sept. 9 @ 5:30 p.m. City-County Bldg. Room 201 |
Wed, Sept. 10 @ 5:30 p.m. City-County Bldg. Room 201 |
Thurs, Sept. 11 @ 5:30 p.m. Alliant Energy Center |
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Public Protection and Judiciary Committee · Office of Justice Reform · Medical Examiner · District Attorney · Clerk of Courts · Sheriff’s Office · Juvenile Court · Public Safety Communications · Emergency Management · Corporation Counsel · Family Court Services · Pretrial Services
Executive Committee · Office for Equity and Inclusion · County Executive’s Office · County Clerk · County Board |
Environment, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee · Land and Water Resources · Extension
Public Works and Transportation Committee · Alliant Energy Center · Highway and Transportation · Waste and Renewables · Airport · Henry Vilas Zoo
Zoning and Land Regulation Committee · Register of Deeds · Planning and Development
Personnel and Finance Committee · Public Health Madison and Dane County · County Treasurer · Library · Department of Administration
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Health and Human Needs Committee · Veterans Service Office · Human Services |
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**All hearings will be available virtually via Zoom** |
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To learn more about the county’s budget process and view the budget review schedule, visit the Dane County Board’s Budget Process webpage: https://board.danecounty.gov/budget
For the most up-to-date meeting information and access to agendas, visit the Dane County Legislative Information Center: https://dane.legistar.com/calendar. Instructions for streaming and signing up to provide public testimony via Zoom are available in posted meeting agendas.
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About the Dane County Board of Supervisors: The Dane County Board of Supervisors is the legislative and policymaking body of Dane County government. Made up of 37 supervisors elected from districts in the county, the mission of the Dane County Board of Supervisors is to effectively represent the people of Dane County, providing services that secure the blessings of freedom, ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and perfect the forms of government. Learn more about the County Board at https://board.danecounty.gov/.