Dane County Updates Budget Outlook

April 17, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

Projects Reduced 2027 Deficit

DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today announced an updated budget outlook for Fiscal Year 2027, with the projected operating deficit reduced from $31.8 million to approximately $15 million—cut roughly in half just over one year after she took office.

The revised estimate follows the closing of Fiscal Year 2025 financials, which identified additional surplus resources available to support the 2027 operating budget. The updated projection reflects improved fiscal conditions across county operations and departments.

“This is a step in the right direction and it shows that the actions we’ve taken are working,” said County Executive Melissa Agard. “We made hard decisions during the last budget cycle, and we are already delivering results to the people of Dane County. I am committed to ensuring that Dane County lives within our means and is honest about the challenges that are before us. Working together, we can protect vital services and programs that people depend on and avoid more difficult choices down the road.

The County’s structural deficit remains significant, and the County Executive emphasized that the updated projection does not change the overall approach to addressing it. The Agard administration will continue implementing cost-saving measures and working with departments and the County Board to develop a responsible 2027 budget.

“Fiscal responsibility is not about doing less. It is about making sure the services people depend on today remain available tomorrow,” Agard said. “We will continue to take a thoughtful, disciplined approach so we can move forward in a way that is sustainable for our community.”

The County will continue to monitor fiscal conditions and provide updates as the 2027 budget process moves forward. A memo from Dane County Controller Chuck Hicklin is attached.