Milwaukee County Board adopts 2026 budget; levy set at $309,014,834
November 06, 2025 | Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
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The board's adoption follows consideration of three digest packets of budget amendments (blue: approved by the finance committee; pink: rejected/substitutes; green: fiscal effects). Director Katie, representing county budget staff, told the board the levy figure reflects actions taken by the board and reduces the county executive's recommended levy by $1,739,168. "The tax levy based on the actions taken today is $309,014,834," Director Katie said, noting this represents a 3.48% increase over 2025 and a reduction from the recommended 4.1%.
The budget process included recorded votes on dozens of separate amendments, including a set of blue-digest amendments the board adopted by roll call and multiple contested pink-digest substitutes that required separate debate. Among the items incorporated into the final package were a $4.7 million allocation for the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) to evaluate and restore services (passed earlier in the amendment process) and multiple earmarks and offsets added or removed during floor debate. The board also approved several personnel and capital adjustments during amendment votes.
The board received and discussed staff briefings on levy mechanics. Director Katie said most of the allowable increase under the state's tax levy limit for 2026 was attributable to adjustments for outstanding debt rather than net new construction. "Most of the allowable increase in the tax levy was not due to net new construction," Director Katie said.
The board's adoption of the budget completes the county's formal approval of appropriations and the property tax levy for 2026. The clerk recorded the final budget vote as 17 ayes and 1 no.
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