Executive Committee approves 2027 Common Council office budget request with targeted 2% reduction

The Madison Common Council Executive Committee voted unanimously July 21 to approve the Common Council office's 2027 budget request (item 94075). Staff told the committee they would submit a baseline of 99.25% of cost to continue and also provided a 2% reduction scenario for mayoral consideration.

Karen, who presented the budget details, described the dual-scenario approach: "everyone received a 99.25% of cost to continue. We were also asked to provide a 2% reduction scenario." She said the office is able to absorb some reductions because it typically underspends its overall budget. As part of the 2% scenario, President Madison proposed taking the reduction from alder expense-account funds to limit impacts on core office services.

President Madison framed the proposal with five-year usage data, saying alders spent an average of 38% of their expense accounts between 2021 and 2025 and returned 62% to the general fund. "In 2025, Alders spent 25% of their expense account funds," she said, noting that the 2% cut scenario would mean alders would retain roughly 30% of their expense funds for use.

Karen also said the office will consolidate small promotional line items into a single $1,100 community engagement fund to reflect actual practice, and she recommended setting aside about $30,000 for consulting services to support boards, commissions, and training materials. The committee recorded unanimous support to approve the budget request.

Staff said they will forward the approved request to the mayor as part of the city's budget process. No amendments to the request were made at the meeting.