County executives preview biennial budget: proposed court‑security cut, medical examiner savings and Clerk of Courts fee impact
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Summary
Chief Public Safety Officer Dave Sager and staff briefed the Public Safety Committee on three high‑level items expected in the county executive’s upcoming biennial budget: a proposed $300,000 reduction to court security, potential medical examiner savings via shared services, and a $275,000 anticipated impact from state court‑fee legislation.
Chief Public Safety Officer Dave Sager and staff briefed the Public Safety Committee on three high‑level items expected in the county executive’s upcoming biennial budget proposal.
Sager said the executive is considering a $300,000 reduction to the sheriff’s office allocation for court security; the county’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council has formed a subcommittee including judges and sheriff’s staff to evaluate options and implications. Sager stressed the sheriff’s office and the court system remain priorities but said the executive’s proposal will require further committee discussion.
On the medical examiner’s budget, Sager said the county projects savings in the proposed executive budget, in part due to strong leadership in the medical examiner’s office. He noted the county is still negotiating a possible shared‑services agreement with Ozaukee County; if a shared arrangement proceeds it could yield additional savings and the option to pursue state innovation grants when available. Staff analysts (Mr. Dahl and Mr. Durer) are assisting with budget figures and policy work.
The committee also heard that Clerk of Courts staff have prepared budget figures that include an anticipated fee increase at the state level. Clerk of Courts Ms. Quicindale (as recorded) provided material showing the executive has baked a $275,000 impact into the proposed budget tied to Senate Bill 333 and companion Assembly Bill 320. Sager cautioned that, if passed, the fee increase would not take immediate effect; the bill’s effective date as described in county materials would be “the first full day after the seventh month of publication,” which could delay revenue realization.
Supervisor Newman urged caution about balancing budgets “on the backs of the employees,” reminding the committee that workforce retention is important as local governments face labor pressures.
Ending: The budget items were presented as high‑level previews; committees and subcommittees will continue to consider options and potential changes before the executive’s formal budget is released.
