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Dane County Executive Melissa Agard Signs 2027 Budget, Marking Significant Progress Toward Financial Stability

November 13, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

“Turning the Corner” budget protects essential services, supports county employees, and makes strategic investments in Dane County's future

DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard has signed the County's 2027 budget into law, marking a significant milestone in the County's ongoing efforts to address its deficit while protecting essential services and making strategic investments in the community.

The final budget includes approximately $861.1 million in operating expenditures and $94.1 million in capital investments, for a total of $955.3 million. The budget lowers Dane County’s property tax rate to $2.43 per $1,000. Every budget County Executive Agard has signed has successfully lowered the property tax rate for Dane County residents.

Titled “Turning the Corner,” the budget builds on a series of financial reforms and operational efficiencies implemented by the Agard administration to address the County's structural deficit.

“When I introduced this budget, I called it 'Turning the Corner,' and today I'm proud to say that Dane County is doing exactly that,” said County Executive Melissa Agard. “We've made difficult decisions, tightened our belts, and made meaningful progress toward a more sustainable financial future. And we've done it while continuing to support our employees and invest in the services our residents depend on.”

Earlier this year, Dane County faced a projected deficit of $31 million. Through targeted spending reductions, eliminating vacant positions, reviewing contracts, and implementing operational efficiencies, the County reduced the projected gap to approximately $15 million entering the 2027 budget process.

The 2027 budget continues that work by emphasizing responsible spending, long-term financial planning, and more efficient delivery of county services.

Key Investments in the 2027 Dane County Budget

The signed budget includes investments across the County's four strategic priorities: Community Services Delivery, Economic Development, Justice System Improvement, and Environmental Leadership.

  • $20 million for the Affordable Housing Development Fund to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing throughout Dane County.
  • $10 million for the Conservation Fund to protect natural areas, farmland, waterways, and environmentally significant properties.
  • Approximately $17 million for roads and bridges to maintain critical transportation infrastructure and support communities throughout the county.
  • Nearly $3 million for Sheriff's Office body-worn cameras to strengthen public safety, transparency, and accountability, with an emphasis on strong policies governing their use.
  • Approximately $3.5 million for voting equipment to help ensure secure, accessible, and reliable elections.
  • $1 million for recovery housing to expand supportive housing opportunities for people recovering from substance use disorders.
  • $20,000 for 60 additional OAK boxes to improve access to overdose prevention resources.
  • Continued planning and infrastructure investments supporting the Alliant Energy Center, Dane County Regional Airport, county parks, and public facilities.

The budget also supports the County's ongoing efforts to strengthen economic development, protect natural resources, and respond to the needs of Dane County's growing population.

Continuing Fiscal Discipline

While celebrating the progress made through the budget process, Agard emphasized that additional financial discipline will be necessary to fully address the County's structural challenges.

The County Board approved approximately $7.25 million in additional capital investments, contributing to a final capital budget of $94.1 million. 

“I appreciate the County Board's commitment to meeting important community needs, and I recognize the value of these investments,” Agard said. “But we also need to be mindful that borrowing today creates financial obligations tomorrow. As we continue working toward structural balance, we need to apply that same fiscal discipline to our capital budget.”

The County Board maintained the $283.2 million property tax levy proposed in Agard's original executive budget and offset its operating budget restorations with savings and reductions elsewhere.

Agard thanked County Board Chair Patrick Miles, Personnel and Finance Committee Chair Chuck Erickson, members of the County Board, department heads, and county employees for their work throughout the budget process.

Looking Ahead

The Agard administration will continue advancing long-term financial reforms, including development of a five-year operating forecast and five-year capital improvement plan, reviews of county facilities and contracts, and additional opportunities to improve operational efficiency.

“Turning the corner doesn't mean we've reached the finish line,” Agard said. “We still have a structural deficit to address and difficult decisions ahead. But we're making real progress, and I'm optimistic about what we can accomplish by working with our newly elected state leaders.”

“Dane County is growing, our economy remains strong, and our communities have tremendous opportunities ahead. This budget puts us in a better position to meet those opportunities while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.”