Washington County outlines contingency plans if Wisconsin fails to pass a state budget

WASHINGTON COUNTY — Washington County staff told the executive committee the county is preparing budgets and scenarios in case the Wisconsin Legislature and governor do not enact a state budget on schedule.

Staff said the county is planning "as if the state doesn't have a budget on time," highlighting reliance on state-supplied funding and the county—s "cost to continue" needs. "Our gap is about 1.4 to 1,500,000," staff said, attributing most of that to salary and wage increases and some built-in inflation.

To reduce exposure the county is shifting about $650,000 of net new sales tax into the operating budget in anticipation of state funding shortfalls. Staff also said expected net new construction growth could add roughly $500,000 to $600,000 in revenue, which would reduce but not eliminate the gap.

Committee members asked about the county—s overall budget and the state—s share. Staff said the county—s annual budget is under $25 million year to year and that roughly 40% of the county—s revenue is state-funded; without an enacted state budget, that share is uncertain.

To prepare, staff said they have asked department heads for 5%, 10% and 15% reduction scenarios, noting that uniform cuts across departments are rarely workable. "We're scenario planning," the presenter said, adding that the county would identify service-delivery effects and policy trade-offs and bring updates to the committee during the budget process.

The committee received the briefing and asked staff to continue work on contingency options and to provide further updates as the state process unfolds.