The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 6 adopted the county's 2026 budget as amended and set the property tax levy at $309,014,834. County budget staff told the board the adopted levy is a 3.48% increase over the 2025 levy and is $1,739,168 lower than the county executive's recommended levy (the executive had proposed a 4.1% increase). The countywide tax rate per $1,000 of equalized value decreases from $2.93 to $2.92.

Why it matters: The adopted levy and budget set the county's revenue plan for next year and fund public safety, public health, transit and human services programs. Several supervisors emphasized the limits of local authority over outside levies and the pressure of debt-related levy adjustments: budget staff explained that much of the allowable levy increase stems from adjustments to outstanding debt, which the state's levy-limit rules permit.

Key numbers and outcome: Director Katie (budget staff) reported the adopted levy of $309,014,834; the board adopted the levy on a roll call of 17 ayes, 1 no. The full budget, as amended, was adopted later in the meeting by the same margin, 17 ayes, 1 no.

What was contentious: Supervisors debated dozens of amendments through the day, with particularly long debate about transit funding, courthouse capital spending and public safety items. Several supervisors who voted no said they supported many pieces of the package but had outstanding fiscal concerns; others emphasized the need to balance immediate constituent demands with long-term fiscal responsibility.

Process: The board reviewed blue (recommended), pink (rejected/substitute) and green (fiscal impact) amendment packets and handled separate votes on called-out amendments before voting on the remaining items and adopting the full budget and levy. Supervisors and staff noted the board's choices reduced the executive's recommended levy and left the countywide tax rate slightly lower per $1,000 of value.

Ending note: With the adopted budget and levy, departments will prepare implementation plans and MCTS and other agencies were directed to report back on items tied to specific amendments, such as route-restoration plans for transit.