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Middleton committee backs 2026 budget as amended, adds $25,000 for WayForward and restores Century Avenue study
Summary
The Finance & Personnel Committee voted to recommend the 2026 budget to the Council with amendments including $25,000 for WayForward Resources targeted to Middleton residents, $15,012 for parks seasonal staffing, and restoration of $40,000 for a Century Avenue road-diet study (funded $34,752 borrowing, $5,248 carryover).
The City of Middleton Finance & Personnel Committee moved on Thursday to recommend the 2026 budget to the full Council after adopting several amendments to direct local funding to social services, parks staffing and a transportation study.
The committee approved adding $25,000 to the budget for WayForward Resources specifically for City of Middleton residents. Committee member S3, arguing the city could match peer cities that provide local support, said directing funds to WayForward’s housing programs could free other funds for food and utility assistance. The motion passed by voice vote.
Members also approved allocating $15,012 to parks, recreation and conservancy seasonal staffing to raise starting wages and expand hours. Kylie, the city Parks and Recreation director, said the funding would be used to increase base wages and hours for seasonal staff.
On capital priorities, the committee restored the Century Avenue road-diet study to the capital budget so a study can be completed before a 2027 bridge replacement project. The committee approved funding the $40,000 study with $34,752 from borrowing and $5,248 from carryover funds after staff noted the county— which has jurisdiction over most of Century Avenue—requested a study and updated traffic counts before considering changes.
Committee members questioned how to ensure funds directed to WayForward serve Middleton residents; staff and members said they could require documentation similar to prior ARPA restrictions that limited funds to Middleton residents. The committee did not direct the city to negotiate a legally binding block-grant-style restriction in the CDA; instead, members agreed to require accounting or documentation for how the $25,000 is used.
The committee’s recommendation of the budget as amended will be transmitted to the common council for final approval.
Ending: The committee voted by voice to recommend the 2026 budget to Council as amended; the Council will consider the recommendation at its next meeting.
