Dane County Executive Agard Introduces 2027 Executive Budget

October 01, 2026
execmedia@danecounty.gov, 608-800-1127
County Executive

“Turning the Corner” budget builds on progress addressing long-term fiscal challenges while protecting services and making strategic investments across Dane County

DANE COUNTY – Dane County Executive Melissa Agard today introduced her 2027 Executive Budget, a proposal focused on continuing the County’s progress toward structural balance while protecting vital services and making strategic investments in Dane County’s future.

The full 2027 Dane County Executive Budget is available HERE.

When Agard took office in 2024, Dane County was facing a projected $31.8 million structural deficit. Through two years of spending reductions, position management, increased revenues and other cost-saving measures, the projected budget gap was reduced to approximately $15 million heading into the 2027 budget process. While one-time resources such as additional surplus have been necessary to balance recent budgets, many of the actions taken over the past two years have reduced ongoing costs or increased ongoing revenues, helping address the underlying structural imbalance.

Agard said she looks forward to working with the Dane County Board during the budget amendment process and emphasized the importance of maintaining the fiscal progress reflected in the Executive Budget.

The proposed 2027 budget totals $946.8 million. It includes an operating budget of $861.0 million and a capital budget of $85.8 million. The budget lowers Dane County’s property tax rate for the second year in a row to $2.43 per $1,000, while the average Madison homeowner will see a levy increase of $20.67.

“When I took office, Dane County was facing a serious deficit,” said County Executive Agard. “We made difficult decisions, asked for shared sacrifice and began changing the way we approach our finances. We have made significant progress reducing the budget gap and addressing its structural causes. We are turning the corner, but we have real work to do this year.”

For the second consecutive year, the Executive Budget does not eliminate any filled County positions. The budget also takes a more targeted approach to departmental reductions rather than repeating the across-the-board reductions used during the 2026 budget process.

“We can be fiscally responsible while continuing to provide exceptional services people depend on every day,” Agard said. “This budget reflects both sides of that responsibility. We are continuing to reduce ongoing spending pressures, strengthen recurring revenues and make the structural changes necessary for long-term stability, while continuing to invest in housing, our natural resources, public safety, human services, infrastructure and the quality of life of our residents.”

Highlights of the 2027 Executive Budget include:

$10 million for the Dane County Conservation Fund to continue permanently protecting high-priority lands, wildlife habitat, water quality, agricultural land and outdoor recreation opportunities.
$20 million for the Affordable Housing Development Fund to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing across Dane County.
Restoration of the 1% reduction in County employee wages implemented as part of the 2026 budget, as well as restoration of the 1% reduction to purchase of service contracts, supporting community partners that provide essential services throughout Dane County.

$3.5 million for new voting equipment for the Dane County Clerk’s Office.

No elimination of filled County positions for the second consecutive year.

$17.3 million in capital improvements to County highways, supporting road, bridge and infrastructure projects throughout Dane County.

$3 million for body-worn cameras for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, with implementation beyond the West Precinct accompanied by finalized policies governing their use, retention and release, as well as public information about the program and individuals’ rights.

Continued investment in the Dane County Regional Airport, including parking expansion, terminal modernization and additional noise mitigation work as the airport experiences significant growth.

Investments in Dane County parks and trails, including accessible fishing and boating improvements at Babcock County Park and construction of Phase I of the Glacial Drumlin to Capital City Connector Trail.

Continued investment in youth and community justice initiatives, including the ATTA youth justice program, Community Court and efforts to strengthen behavioral health and diversion services.

Funding to prepare for the opening of Dane County’s new landfill, Site No. 3, along with investments in renewable natural gas infrastructure.

Continued support for mental health and human services, including programs serving seniors, children and families, people experiencing housing instability, and residents seeking behavioral health and substance use services.

Investment in housing and supportive services for people impacted by the opioid epidemic, using opioid settlement resources to help connect residents with stable housing and the services needed to support recovery.

$2.1 million to support the Salvation Army’s new shelter for women and families experiencing homelessness, helping replace its current shelter facility and expand access to safe, stable shelter in Dane County.

The budget is organized around the four pillars of Agard’s Dane County in Action strategic plan: Community Services Delivery, Economic Development, Justice Systems Improvement and Environmental Leadership.

The 2027 proposal also comes as Dane County maintains its AAA bond rating, the highest available, while S&P Global Ratings recently revised the County’s outlook from Stable to Negative. In response, Agard has directed the development of longer-term financial planning tools, including a five-year capital improvement plan, a five-year operating budget forecast and a fund balance standard for the Human Services Fund.

“The progress we have made can be lost if we do not maintain the fiscal discipline that got us here,” Agard said. “We have an opportunity with this budget to build on two difficult years of work, continue moving toward lasting fiscal stability and deliver the high-quality services Dane County residents expect and deserve.”