The meeting heard Milwaukee County’s report on the 2026 general election canvass and voluntary post-election audit, including turnout, provisional ballots and write-ins. Staff also discussed preparations for a possible spring county executive election; no vote on that election was recorded.

Discussion Points

•A staff member presented signatures for certification; the transcript does not establish whether certification was completed.
•A staff member presented the voluntary audit and general election canvass figures, provisional ballot information, write-in counting process and Glendale adjustment.
•A staff member said the county anticipated placing a county executive race on the spring ballot and was coordinating with the corporation counsel’s office.
•The official election date was not yet known, and several people were said to have filed an interest.

Directions

•The clerk was expected to issue an order and set nomination-paper parameters after official notice of the election date.

Nov

Common Council Meeting 11/10/2026

The West Allis Common Council held a public hearing on the mayor’s recommended 2027 budget, which staff said was balanced below the city’s maximum allowable limits. Residents also used public participation to raise concerns about Flock automated license plate reader cameras; the council took no action on those comments during this meeting.

Discussion Points

•Alderman Keene emphasized the benefit of new development and urged additional state shared revenue.
•Dogger connected the cameras to broader concerns about surveillance technologies.
•Dufogals questioned the cameras’ value based on incidents near locations he described and raised concerns about data collection and security.
•Hallett urged the council to decline renewal of the Flock contract and phase out the cameras, citing privacy and civil-liberties concerns.
•Stark acknowledged possible benefits in missing-child cases but urged oversight and limits on data access.
•The recommended budget, tax levy and expenditure limits, revenue sources, staffing, estimated household taxes, utility charges and capital plan were presented and discussed.

Decisions

•The council adjourned until Nov. 17, 2026.
•The council approved the Oct. 13 and Oct. 16 meeting minutes.
•The public hearing concluded without council action on the budget; the presenter said action was scheduled for Nov. 17.

Nov

What’s Up, West Allis? Let Us Help! Ratting Out Rats

Local residents and municipal staff discussed a surge in rats near homes in West Allis; a city environmental supervisor described use of a rodent contraceptive product (ContraPest) and urged residents to secure trash and report sightings.

Discussion Points

•Public commenter warned of rats near homes and estimated large numbers.
•Resident asked how to report sightings; supervisor offered guidance though transcript does not include contact details.
•Resident described no-mow practice and visible refuse that may attract rodents.
•Staff compared the situation to other cities and urged resident cooperation.
•Staff described mitigation tools (ContraPest) and asked for resident cooperation.

Directions

•Residents advised to contain trash and maintain yards.
•Residents advised to keep trash contained and encourage neighbors to do the same.
•Supervisor encouraged community reporting and sanitation to prioritize resources.

Nov

Planning Commission Meeting 102826

The West Allis Planning Commission met to consider a new KED plasma donation center at 102nd and Lincoln, a Pick n Save/NDC parking-lot repaving proposal with staff walkability upgrades, a multi-generational home reconstruction at 1011 S. 56th St., a painted wall sign for Black Rose at Makers Row, scheduling for the winter meeting and brief project updates; the commission approved the staff recommendations on the major items.

Discussion Points

•Applicant presented landscaping, architectural materials and interior floor plans including two kitchens.
•Applicant warned adding sidewalks and islands could double immediate project cost and risk being redundant if redevelopment occurs shortly.
•Code enforcement raised the duplex vs single-family question due to internal separations and two kitchens.
•Commissioner asked about biomedical waste handling; staff and applicant confirmed on-site storage in dedicated room with licensed hauler collection.
•Commissioner identified the artist as Aaron Metzger and offered to follow up on paint type.
•Hidden Lofts Building 1 complete and leasing; Union Green nearly fully leased; Habitat for Humanity foundation work ongoing.
•Staff confirmed sign meets creative sign code; artist and paint-type confirmation requested.
•Staff described building size, parking reduction to 47 stalls, shared parking with Holiday Inn Express, transit easement for bus stop, downward-directed lighting and rooftop screening.
•Staff emphasized neighborhood investment and recommended walkability improvements.

Decisions

•Repaving project approved with staff-recommended conditions.
•Sign plan approved subject to condition.
•Site, landscaping and architectural design review approved; code-enforcement classification outstanding.
•Site plan and design review approved by voice vote.

Directions

•Applicant to coordinate with code enforcement on whether to alter separation points or convert one kitchen to a kitchenette.
•Applicant to provide paint specification and artist info with the sign-permit application.
•Proceed to permitting and implement feasible pedestrian/landscape improvements; consider interim surface maintenance if owner declines larger improvements.
•Proceed with building permits and sign permits; any right-of-way work requires engineering permits.

Nov

Video

Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2027 budget and property tax levy on Nov. 5, 2026 after votes on several amendments — including a parks lighting capital project, a failed proposal to raise GLP-1 copays for non‑diabetic employees, and a unanimously approved requirement that the budget office explain a $4.6 million calculation error.

Discussion Points

•Board and finance committee described adopted changes including funding for senior meals, paratransit and other programs incorporated into a committee 'super amendment'.
•Error approximated at $4.6 million undermined trust and required full public accounting.
•Opponents cited bonding cap, skipped projects and precedence concerns.
•Opponents said the change could penalize preventive care, create legal exposure and harm recruitment and retention.
•Roll calls covered digest balances, individual amendment outcomes and the final budget adoption.
•Sponsor said project moves 138 fixtures into four parks (Kazi, McGovern, Noyes and Pulaski) and would save $42,000/year in operations.
•Sponsors argued GLP‑1s are a major cost driver and that raising copays for non‑diabetics would save about $1.15M.
•Sponsors requested timeline, cause, and remedial safeguards; potential comptroller audit if report insufficient.

Decisions

•Adopt Amendment 11 and include project in the capital improvement plan.
•Adopt amendment requiring detailed accounting; append report to budget materials.
•Adopt the 2027 budget as amended; adopt the property tax levy.
•Do not adopt the GLP‑1 copay amendment (motion failed).
•See individual actions above.

Directions

•Budget office to prepare public accounting report on the calculation error and append it to the budget.
•Budget office to produce report in January; supervisors demanded notice protocols for future material errors.
•Department of Parks to program the approved capital project and provide schedule/cost details.
•Request HR and benefits staff to perform a comprehensive review of prescription management, pricing and legal risk outside the rushed budget vote.

Oct

Video

Public hearing on Milwaukee County Executive's 2027 recommended budget featuring extensive public testimony on transit funding, parks capital needs, Health Connections clinic funding, farmers market match, climate office staffing, museum collections, and mental health/group-home concerns.

Discussion Points

•Advocated renewable energy procurement and building retrofits.
•Advocates asked for a dedicated, permanent transit funding source beyond reserves.
•Calls to create a dedicated parks funding stream to address a $400M deferred-maintenance backlog.
•Office of Sustainability 2027 operating request cited as $823,000 compared with 2026 expenditures of $961,000.
•Program importance for food access and local economies.
•Requests to avoid paid parking and privatization as primary solutions.
•Speakers asked to adopt County Executive's 2027 budget without cuts to MCTS.
•Speakers cited $240,000,000+ storm damages as justification to increase climate funding and staff.
•Speakers urged $400,000 operating support for Health Connections to preserve services after clinic closures.
•Support and continuation of $100,000 Milwaukee Market Match funding to preserve 14 market access points.
•Support for $30M capital parks plan across 28 projects.
•Testimony linked the request to public-health, racial-equity and emergency-cost avoidance arguments.

Oct

Video

The Milwaukee County Finance Committee considered four budget amendments tied to the 2027 recommended budget, approving four amendments that make targeted investments in transit, parks, human services and employee benefits while directing studies on court commissioner pay and marina options. Members set deadlines for final amendment submissions and reminded the public of a budget hearing at the Milwaukee Art Museum.

Discussion Points

•Chairwoman Nicholson Bovell said the amendment reduces the levy and restores several service priorities; she described revenue offsets and program investments.
•Committee voted to recommend four amendments affecting budget priorities and processes.
•Staff said removing a group from prescription drug coverage would require full contract renegotiation.
•Supervisor O'Connor sought site-specific crime data linked to camera locations.
•Supervisors asked about out‑of‑county users and state navigable waters restrictions.
•Taylor cited $50M estimate for dock replacement; Guy Smith said annual net revenue is ~$2M.
•Taylor described multiple projects overlapping at Bender Park and longer procurement timelines than expected.
•Taylor noted prior request reductions and requested a data‑driven report on pay and turnover.

Decisions

•Amendments 1,2 and 4 recommended 6‑0; amendment 3 recommended 5‑1 and will proceed to the board.
•Committee recommended adoption of amendment number 1 (6‑0)
•Committee recommended adoption of amendment number 2 (6‑0)
•Committee recommended adoption of amendment number 3 (5‑1)
•Committee recommended adoption of amendment number 4 (6‑0)
•Informational — no vote recorded on policy change

Directions

•Administration to continue exploring health benefit options but flagged contract renegotiation constraints.
•Clerk of Courts, Chief Judge, and Human Resources to provide a report on compensation and turnover.
•Departments to coordinate and set procurement/timeline benchmarks.
•Parks to gather usage/residency data and consult Wisconsin DNR; staff to evaluate partnership and funding options.
•Sheriff to prepare March report on camera location selection and supporting data; supervisors to submit additional questions.
•Sheriff to report in March on camera location decisions and data

Oct

Video

Milwaukee County Committee on Finance met to review portions of the executive'recommended 2027 budget, including presentations from the Office of Strategy, Budget and Performance; the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) including IMSD; and the Register of Deeds. Presentations highlighted grant wins, capital projects including the IJCC courthouse work, staffing pressures, AI/data governance plans, and modest revenue increases in the Register of Deeds office.

Discussion Points

•County expects to share forensic building operating costs about 50/50 with the state; $1.7M is an initial operational estimate.
•Forensic science facility completion under budget; deferred maintenance backlog; IJCC a major ongoing project; staffing and recruitment challenges.
•IMSD to recruit data governance lead; automation and AI use will be risk\u0002assessed; security budget increased; personnel and central chargeback changes.
•Register of Deeds budget is cost to continue; $98,000 expected revenue increase; no staffing changes anticipated.
•SBP linked strategy, budgeting and performance; highlighted grant wins and ARPA closeout work.

Directions

•Recruit data governance lead

Oct

Common Council Meeting 10/13/2026

The West Allis Common Council met to hear a public hearing on the 2027 Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) operating plan and special assessment method, review a proposed consolidated health department and senior center design for 7220 West National Avenue, hear public comments about a sewer-lateral repair claim and construction parking, and to approve routine minutes and consent items with several committee recommendations adopted.

Discussion Points

•Claimed the lateral may have been modified during installation of the water main in 1958, shifting responsibility to homeowners in later policy changes.
•Design objectives to merge health department and senior center while preserving separations and maximizing investment.
•Highlighted Main Street Unlocking capital grant and downtown business openings.
•Homeowner described repair discoveries: lateral encased in concrete beneath city water main and missing fittings; large out-of-pocket costs.
•Item 39 was taken separately and passed 8–1; item 32 was referred based on CDA approval.
•Presentation of BID boundary, accomplishments, and proposed 2027 budget increase.
•Questions about occupancy limits, break rooms, square footage and whether planning numbers were shared with council.
•Resident noted the development will add about 100 housing units and asked about long-term parking implications.
•Resident reports repetitive construction-crew parking blocking street access and asks for mitigation.
•Routine approvals and committee reports presented and voted on with recorded tallies.

Decisions

•Several items adopted as recommended by committees.

Directions

•Staff to pass concern to project managers and consider mitigation options for construction staging/parking.
•Staff to provide square-footage and program-capacity reports to council members who did not attend planning sessions.

Oct

Administration and Economic Development Committees 10/13/2026

The committee approved a new Class B tavern license for Lucky Ginger and passed resolutions including the 2027 Downtown West Allis BID operating plan and a $500,000 TIF allocation to support up to 55 affordable units at the former Longfellow School; staff presented the mayor's proposed 2027 budget and the council directed staff to begin a design assessment for City Hall renovation.

Discussion Points

•Alderman commented on BID\u0019s long-term community benefits and the director's leadership.
•Applicant is leasing with a three-year purchase option and will install 11 cameras.
•Applicant may not control the parcel; CDA is landowner and must approve use.
•Applicant will focus on food sales and background music via speakers (no jukebox).
•Attorney Decker explained council approval grants regulatory authority but does not supersede landowner rights; state controls alcohol-premises extensions.
•Borrower requested extension; outstanding balance ~ $69,000 remains.
•Capital highlights include health and senior center renovation and lead service-line replacement borrowing.
•Committee discussed downtown location preference and possible rental/reuse of surplus space.
•Committee had no further questions and moved to a vote.
•Committee members noted additional required steps (neighborhood meeting, planning commission) and cautioned that this allocation is part of a larger financing package.
•Committee recommended state-allowed hours for operational flexibility.
•FEH Design advised some systems can be phased but mechanical replacements may not be easily phased.
•Proposed wage adjustments: 2% for general employees, 3.5% for unions; utility-rate smoothing proposed.
•Staff estimated about $8M in deferred maintenance (noting estimate is eight years old).
•Staff explained the source of funds (TIF closures and excess increment) and statutory use limits.
•Staff said borrower has met job-creation and program requirements.
•Staff said recent TID closures added roughly $750,000 to bridge the budget gap.

Decisions

•$500,000 obligation approved, conditional on further approvals.
•Council will be asked to approve a resolution to start the design process at a future meeting.
•Introductory presentation accepted; next steps set.
•Loan amendment approved.
•Local license approved; applicant to complete state licensing as needed.
•Permit approved conditionally; CDA sign-off required before event can proceed with alcohol.
•Resolution passed; BID authorized to implement plan.

Directions

•Adopt state-allowed hours in license approval to allow flexibility.
•Approve amended loan terms and document payment schedule.
•Approve permit pending CDA consent and ensure applicant pursues state extension if alcohol sales are proposed.
•Obligate funds contingent on developer meeting financing and permitting steps.
•Proceed to design procurement and RFP to develop updated cost and layout information.
•Proceed with BID implementation and assessments as per the approved plan.
•Schedule public hearing on Nov. 10; council action planned Nov. 17.

Oct

Public Safety and Public Works Committees 10/13/2026

Public Works and Public Safety committee meetings in West Allis considered a change to the street-closure/block-party signature rule, a weights-and-measures ordinance aligning local code with state law, and operator (bartender) license decisions for two applicants.

Discussion Points

•Applicant disclosed OWI and medical hospitalization/rehabilitation.
•Clerk reported applicant would not make the hearing.
•Committee acted to deny based on procedural nonappearance.
•Committee members inquired about rehabilitation and licensing status.
•Engineering staff raised enforcement concerns that prompted the change.
•Need for clearer language and an appeal process for businesses.
•Need to ensure affected neighbors on long blocks are reasonably notified.
•Staff capacity to perform inspections annually for certain businesses.

Decisions

•License approved after hearing.
•License denied for failure to appear.
•Ordinance 2026-1483 approved by committee.
•Ordinance 2026-1484 approved by committee.

Directions

•Clerk to record approval and proceed with licensing paperwork.
•Clerk to record denial and proceed per usual notice procedures.
•Implementers to align local code text to state code and publish instructions for businesses.
•Staff to propose reasonable test/guidance for long blocks at application time.

Oct

Video

Public hearing of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Committee on Finance and Budget on the County Executive's 2027 recommended budget; testimony focused on pay compression for courthouse public safety officers and transit service cuts; committee postponed a request for written informational reports to Oct. 22 and will continue hearings tomorrow at 9 a.m.

Discussion Points

•Chair scheduled continuation of the hearing for the following morning.
•Long‑tenured courthouse public safety officers earn less than some recent hires and some rely on public assistance.
•Milwaukee Area Labor Council warned of potential 25% MCTS service cuts and quantified possible workplace access losses.
•Multiple supervisors and the chair agreed more time was needed for departments to prepare full responses to previously raised questions.
•Public safety officers testified about low pay and pay compression; administrators proposed a $50,000 budget allocation to address equity.
•Staff to attach e‑comments to the record when received.
•Supervisors pressed administration for a substantive response and distribution plan.
•Supervisors questioned whether $50,000 would be sufficient and requested an HR informational report outlining distribution.
•The committee opted to set a date certain for follow‑up rather than proceed without full information.
•The council urged the county to prioritize transportation funding in the 2027 budget.

Decisions

•Adjournment for the evening.
•Administration included $50,000 in recommended 2027 budget to address pay compression (informational; not an approved policy change).
•Motion to postpone adopted (7‑0).

Directions

•Administration/HR to prepare informational report describing distribution approach.
•Committee to reconvene at 9 a.m. for day four.
•HR to prepare an informational item early next year detailing how any pay‑equity funds would be distributed.
•Item 2 to be heard on Oct. 22, 2026; staff to compile outstanding responses.

Oct

Video

Milwaukee County Finance Committee (Day 3) heard departmental budget presentations covering pretrial services, the district attorneys office, emergency management, human resources, non-departmental expenditures and Health & Human Services. Presenters outlined service statistics, staffing and funding pressures and answered supervisors questions about capacity, technology and program cuts.

Discussion Points

•Administration cited utilization increases and drug-price inflation as main drivers and proposed incremental cost levers.
•Comptroller data show prescription-drug spending rising from ~$23.5M (2022) to a budgeted ~$47.5M (2027).
•DA presented Axon supplemental request due to a surge in video evidence.
•Department requested follow-up cost breakdowns to show how to expand capacity.
•DHHS included an assumed $1,000 juvenile corrections per-diem in the budget but warned a $3,000 rate without state subsidy could create ~ $6M exposure.
•DHHS proposed eliminating or reducing non-mandated community mental-health programs and cutting $500,000 from Credible Messengers (outreach/response team).
•GPS capacity capped at 150 due to staffing constraints.
•OEM described new facility co-located with ME and state crime lab and improved logistic capabilities.
•OEM flagged 9-1-1 staffing and turnover; supervisors asked how departmental damage surveys are reported to OEM.
•OEM reported not receiving FEMA public assistance for recent floods and a >$100,000 radio-tower repair absorbed by OEM.
•Office reported state carrying 12.5 prosecutor positions temporarily through June 30, 2027.
•Pretrial services presented program operations and outcomes (appearance and rearrest rates).
•Supervisors asked about license-plate reader technology and data governance.
•Supervisors requested a rapid follow-up with specific options and savings estimates.
•Supervisors requested breakdowns, cautioned on service impacts, and asked DHHS to pursue alternatives and further discussions with partners.

Oct

What’s Up, West Allis? Let Us Help! Snow Emergencies Explained.

A caller identifying as Alder Halverson phoned 911 to report his red 1978 Ford Pinto missing; the call revealed the vehicle had been towed during a city-declared snow emergency. City staff (identified in the call as Officer Masati) explained snow-emergency parking rules and a plow driver (Aaron Scribe) described operational limits and offered to drive the caller to the tow yard.

Discussion Points

•Caller inquired about push notifications and referenced the West Allis app sarcastically.
•Caller reported vehicle missing; officer confirmed tow during snow emergency.
•Officer described odd/even parking rule and lift time (3 p.m. next day).
•Officer explained purpose of snow emergencies and link to plowing efficiency.
•Officer explained towing enforcement tied to odd/even parking rules and snow-emergency duration.
•Piled snow left uncleared can freeze and worsen hazards.
•Plow driver emphasized safety and operational constraints and offered onsite assistance.
•Plow drivers prioritize safety and may skip streets where trucks cannot fit.

Oct

What’s Up, West Allis? Let Us Help! Milwaukee Metro Fire Department Merger.

An informational presentation outlining plans to form Milwaukee Metro Fire and Rescue, pursue a state innovation grant, set up a corporate board and fire commission appointed by each city council, recruit a chief, and hold public open houses; funding amounts mentioned in the recording are unclear.

Discussion Points

•Administrative step of filing incorporation paperwork
•Branding campaign planned
•Budget pressures and need for a sustainable funding solution
•Council appointments required before operational transfer
•Fire commission to conduct chief interviews
•Fire reps to provide public education
•Grant presented as primary funding option
•Joint open house planned for spring/summer 2027
•No award or budget document presented in the recording
•No candidate or timeline provided
•Shared-service history between two ISO 1 fire departments
•Unclear numeric phrasing in transcript for grant amounts
•Wauwatosa open house planned for October

Decisions

•No firm dates or agendas provided in the recording
•No formal decision or vote recorded in the transcript; appointments are described as pending action by each council
•No formal grant award announced in the recording
•No hiring decision recorded in the transcript

Directions

•City attorney to file grant applications
•City attorney to file incorporation paperwork and pursue grant applications
•Commission to run recruitment after council appointments

Oct

Video

Milwaukee County Finance Committee continued 2027 budget hearings covering transportation, airports, courts, public safety and corrections; the committee advanced the SEWRPC levy certification and an airport rental-car facility charge ordinance to the full county board.

Discussion Points

•Capital needs (boiler, chillers, roof and generator) and operating budget changes driven by revenue loss and inflationary cost increases.
•Chief Judge argued commissioner pay is uncompetitive and recruiting has declined; he requested $450,000 to address pay disparities.
•Committee asked clarifying questions; no further conditions were attached.
•Committee moved and voted to recommend the ordinance to the county board.
•Comptroller estimate of a ~$4.3M overtime deficit for 2026.
•CRC accreditation and performance metrics (reentry completion and recidivism rates).
•DeCorso requested $12,500 for utilities and maintenance, citing roof and aging volunteer base as primary challenges.
•Drancic explained the need for flexibility to fund rental-car center modernization and maintenance.
•Fee and prepayment policy changes to reduce outstanding funeral home receivables.
•McKay described Vision 2060 update, TIP maintenance and SEDS economic development strategy.
•Move into new forensic science center and associated technology upgrades.
•One-time county funding proposal for 2027 versus a projected 2028 deficit of $18–20M without sustainable state funding.
•Operational improvements (overtime reduction, fare compliance, fleet additions).
•Paul DeCorso described CAP missions, partnerships with MPS and community groups, and equipment gains.
•Request for $150,000 to begin replacing park cameras; department will supply total replacement cost estimate.
•Request for security director to consolidate contraband prevention, K-9 oversight and emergency preparedness.
•SEDS purpose to maintain EDA grant eligibility and outreach to local governments.
•Supervisors asked for HR analysis, asked to know where prior dollars for vacant positions went, and debated statutory authority and process between clerk and judiciary.
•TIP updates and their role in preserving federal funding eligibility.
•Vision 2060 update timeline and public outreach plans.

Decisions

•Budget preserves staffing; capital requests included for review during budget adoption process.
•Item 6 recommended for adoption
•Item recommended for adoption and forwarded to county board on Nov. 5
•No immediate appropriation; committee requested follow-up materials and possible amendment action.
•No immediate appropriation; committee requested further HR review and possible amendments during the October amendment cycle.

Directions

•Agency will continue advocacy for long-term funding and proceed with network redesign.
•Prepare final ordinance language for Nov. 5 county board meeting.
•Provide additional capital project details and continue recruitment efforts; explore options for state revenue replacement.
•Provide overtime breakdown by driver (vacancies, sick time, FMLA, special events).
•Return with HR-reviewed options, narrower proposals (e.g., targeted raises for lower-tier commissioners), and data on vacancies and departures.
•Supply full cost estimate to replace removed park cameras and recommended priority sites.

Oct

Video

A meeting of the Milwaukee County Commission on Persons with Disabilities covered a guest proposal for an "age-friendly" event designation, accessibility problems at large festivals and county capital projects, procedural questions about holding a closed-session chair vote, connectivity and public‑comment access problems, and approval of previous meeting minutes before adjourning.

Discussion Points

•Behar proposed a voluntary age‑friendly designation for events and venues.
•Commissioners suggested partnerships, vendor options for mobility/charging, and aligning with existing accommodations at festivals.
•Difficulty locating charging stations and flagging mobility assistance at Summerfest and other festivals.
•Possibility of volunteer-run golf-cart shuttles and need to confirm cart capacity and driver training.
•Public difficulty locating Teams link and missing posted meeting videos.
•Staff explained posting on county legislative information center and offered troubleshooting.
•Technical Teams breakout-room assignments and virtual access complicate immediate private voting.
•Whether a chair vote that takes place in closed session must be listed on the agenda in advance.

Decisions

•Chair vote postponed to next properly noticed meeting.

Directions

•Explore partnerships (United Spinal Association, festival operators) and pilot mobility support at events.
•Post closed-session language on next agenda or schedule a special closed meeting; staff to explore poll option limited to commissioners.
•Staff and interested commissioners to explore partners and compare proposal with current festival practices.
•Staff to confirm posting of past meeting videos and ensure joining info is placed on future agendas.

Oct

Video

Morning session of the Milwaukee County Committee on Finance (day 1 of 4) opened with a Research Services overview of the County Executive's 2027 recommended budget and proceeded through departmental presentations covering the countywide budget, debt service, non‑departmental revenues, employee benefits, cultural contributions, parks, zoo, and several other agency budgets.

Discussion Points

•$12.1M of the $22.1M debt service reserve draw is allocated to preserve transit service in 2027.
•County will carry prorated funding and is negotiating a termination agreement to govern transition costs.
•Dependent coverage age change from 27 to 26 (align with ACA) projected to save ~$600,000.
•Failure to implement revenue plan could force closure of pools and splash pads and operations cuts.
•FSA county match increase from $1,000 to $1,500; $900,000 proposed to continue employee health clinics post‑ARPA.
•MPM legal transition to a new nonprofit on 05/01/2027; county owns current building and collections.
•Parks faces $887,000 levy reduction and proposes paid parking pilot (net $671,000) plus fee increases to meet reduction.
•Repeated reliance on reserve draws could harm bond ratings and future budgets.
•Research Services identified five drivers shaping the 2027 budget: a $50.8M structural gap, transit funding shortfalls, Sheriff overtime, workforce/benefit cost increases, and capital/debt needs.
•Sheriff overtime is a recurring, significant driver of budget deficits.
•Staffing vacancies (63 positions) contribute to reliance on overtime.

Directions

•Committee to follow up with Sheriff’s office in departmental hearings.
•EDRIS and the museum to finalize a termination agreement and return to the board with a transfer request for any necessary funding.
•HR to provide clinic utilization data and metrics for evaluation.
•OGA and the board should prioritize state and federal advocacy for transit funding.
•Parks to provide an ordered list of service reductions keyed to partial revenue scenarios.

Oct

Video

Milwaukee County Board meeting where County Executive David Crowley delivered the 2027 recommended budget and the board approved an amended authorization and resolution for the Investing in Justice courthouse complex, alongside votes on parks, utility easements and removal of ALPR camera equipment.

Discussion Points

•2% across-the-board raise for employees
•Capital allocations for Mitchell Park Domes and playgrounds
•Committee testimony alleging mistreatment in parks
•Compensation versus litigation trade-offs
•Legal limits via Public Service Commission eminent-domain proceedings
•Need for state support to reduce local tax burden
•Need to balance public safety and Fourth Amendment rights
•Paid parking pilot to avoid park cuts
•Project cost growth and deferred maintenance
•Trade-offs between building investment and other county services
•Use of $12M debt service reserve to sustain transit through 2027
•Whether 'large-scale users' language could accommodate data centers

Decisions

•Adopt easements and accept negotiated compensation
•Adopt resolution authorizing capital funding and urge state participation
•Adopt resolution directing removal of Flock/ALPR equipment
•Recommend one-time $12M draw to preserve transit service through 2027

Directions

•County to pursue state funding and refine financing plan
•Finance committee will hold department presentations starting Oct. 12; public hearing Oct. 26
•Government relations to seek clarifying information from utilities and PSC
•Parks to coordinate removal and explore alternative safety measures

Sep

Committee on Parks and Culture 09/29/2026

Milwaukee County's Parks and Culture Committee met Sept. 29, 2026. Members confirmed a county executive appointee to the federated library board, approved arts grant allocations, adopted a trail speed-limit ordinance (including an amendment to study high-powered "eMoto" devices), advanced reporting rules for law-enforcement staging in parks after public testimony about ICE activity, approved several easements, heard long-range trail and parking-revenue plans, and passed a resolution removing ALPR/Flock equipment while allowing closed-loop video systems under strict controls.

Discussion Points

•Appointment presented by county executive representative; appointee highlighted library services and prior civic experience.
•Bike Fed and frequent cyclists warned a blanket limit could affect legitimate training and events.
•CAMPAC's updated funding formula and categories (cornerstone, tier 2, tier 1, impact awards).
•Committee debated narrow vendor ban vs. preserving investigatory capability; adopted an amendment to allow closed-loop county-controlled cameras under strict rules.
•Multiple supervisors pressed for exemptions for events and clarity about applying limit to human-powered cyclists.
•No applicants applied for tier 1; distribution includes a new $2,000 impact award for social cohesion.
•Parks staff proposed uniform 15 mph limit to address speed differentials and eMoto devices.
•Pilot would be seasonal and digital (QR/text), avoid permanent meters and aim to return revenue to the paying locations.
•Plan built with TAP grant and ARPA match; includes public engagement and prioritization across subareas.
•Public testimony cited misuse, immigration enforcement links, and vendor misrepresentations.
•Public testimony described a June 29 Mitchell Park incident with alleged detentions and traumatic scenes.
•Recommendations include crossings priority list, wayfinding, soft-surface recreation areas and e-bike considerations.
•Resolution creates a mechanism to collect community-submitted evidence, including affidavits, when internal documentation is lacking.
•Sheriff cited homicide and other investigations aided by photographic ALPR/video tools and presented tightened safeguards.
•Supervisors asked for resident/nonresident distinctions, exemptions, and neighborhood sensitivities along Lincoln Memorial Drive.

Decisions

•Adopted resolution removing Flock/ALPR from parks and authorizing exploration of closed-loop county camera options; directed follow-up reports.
•Adopted; staff directed to operationalize reporting process.
•Committee recommended adoption as presented; distribution to proceed.
•Committee recommended confirmation by unanimous vote.
•Informational report accepted; no adopted policy or budget appropriation yet.
•Ordinance language adopted as amended; amendment to study eMotor devices passed; staff to return by December.
•Plan adopted; staff to pursue grants guided by the plan.

Directions

•Adopt plan as amendment to 2050 plan and use for grant eligibility and budgeting.
•County counsel/IMSD to draft audit and retention protocols (48-hour retention proposed).
•Parks and counsel to implement an intake/reporting repository and work with sheriff/emergency management on procedures.
•Parks to include pilot in the 2027 budget submission and consult neighborhoods before implementation.
•Parks to prioritize education, targeted signage at pinch points, and return with proposed ordinance language.
•Parks to study eMoto regulatory options and parental/age restrictions.
•Sheriff and county IT to develop procurement options for non-ALPR, closed-loop video systems and to outline funding sources for 2027 budget.

Loading meetings…