County Executive Melissa Agard Announces Comprehensive Review of Dane County Contracting Practices

January 16, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

DANE COUNTY — County Executive Melissa Agard today announced that one of her administration’s next major initiatives will be a comprehensive review of Dane County’s contracting practices, an effort to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely, efficiently, and transparently.

“Since taking office, I’ve been working tirelessly every day to make sure Dane County tax dollars are being spent responsibly and effectively,” said County Executive Agard. “County government is a large and complicated organization with nearly 3,000 employees, an annual average of 850 contracts, and more than 400 purchase-of-service agencies that we contract with. It’s vital that we have the right systems and safeguards in place to ensure accountability and excellence across everything we do.”

Agard emphasized that Dane County’s contract and purchase-of-service partners are essential to delivering critical programs and supports across the community.

“Our partners do unbelievable work every single day in our community,” Agard said. “This review isn’t about questioning that commitment; it’s about strengthening it. We look forward to working with our partners throughout this process because contracting is a two-way street. If there are things the county can do better, whether that’s communication, timeliness, or clarity, we need to step up too.”

The review will take a close look at how the county develops, manages, and oversees contracts with outside agencies and vendors. The goal is to identify opportunities for greater consistency, clarity, and transparency—while ensuring the highest quality services for residents.

“In order to achieve operational excellence and maintain the highest standards of service delivery in the state, we need to make sure we’re dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s,” Agard said. “With the 2026 budget process wrapping up, now is the perfect time to look under the hood and see where we can create more efficiencies and improvements.”

The review will include engagement with county departments, partner agencies, and subject-matter experts to develop recommendations for improving policies, procedures, and communication related to contracting.

“Our community expects Dane County to lead with integrity, efficiency, and transparency,” Agard said. “This initiative is about making sure every dollar we spend and every partnership we enter into reflects those values.”