Milwaukee County's Capital Improvements Committee convened on August 19, 2025, to address critical funding adjustments for the 2026 budget, with a focus on a significant shortfall impacting the Bender Park boat launch project.

The committee, which included seven members present and two participating virtually, unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting before diving into the main agenda item. The discussion centered on a proposal to reduce the available cash funding for the 2026 budget by $241,418, bringing the total down from $14,202,931 to $13,961,513. This adjustment aims to cover a funding gap for the sediment abatement project at the Bender Park boat launch, which had not been included in the initial departmental request.

Vincent, a committee member, explained that the project faced a deficit of approximately $341,000, with a $100,000 transfer from a completed parks project expected to help alleviate some of the shortfall. Despite previous attempts to secure funding for this project, it fell short of the necessary votes at the county board level. However, it has garnered support from the administration due to its importance for safety.

The committee's recommendation, if approved, will be forwarded to the county executive and the county board of supervisors, emphasizing the need to incorporate the $241,418 into the final capital improvement budget. This move highlights the committee's commitment to addressing urgent infrastructure needs while navigating budget constraints.