MILWAUKEE — Chairman of the Committee on Finance Steve F. Taylor convened Milwaukee County department leaders on Tuesday for an expectation-setting meeting focused on improving efficiency, strengthening preparation, and preparing for the significant fiscal challenges facing Milwaukee County in the years ahead.
The meeting brought together department heads and staff to discuss ways the Committee on Finance can conduct business more effectively during the upcoming budget season while ensuring Supervisors have the information and time necessary to make informed decisions. According to Taylor:
“Milwaukee County is entering one of the most difficult financial periods we have faced in years,” said Chairman of Finance Taylor. “We must set clear expectations now, so our budget process is efficient, transparent, and focused on long-term sustainability.”
Milwaukee County is currently projecting an approximately $50.8 million budget shortfall, with additional structural challenges anticipated in future years as federal American Rescue Plan Act funding has now expired.
“Since returning to the County Board in 2022, I have consistently raised concerns about the financial realities Milwaukee County would face once ARPA dollars were gone,” Taylor said. “Well, folks, the money ran out. Last year’s budget challenges are nothing compared to what is in store for us in 2027.”
As part of the Committee on Finance’s preparation for the 2027 budget process, Chairman Taylor outlined several planned changes intended to improve efficiency and provide supervisors with more time to evaluate proposals, including:
- Releasing the budget calendar earlier than any previous Finance Chair
- Beginning formal budget deliberations later in the process
- Allowing Finance Committee members additional time to review budget materials and meet with departments prior to presentations
- Establishing clearer expectations for presentations and committee operations
Taylor said the goal is to ensure supervisors, departments, and the public can engage in a more organized and productive budget process during a period of unprecedented fiscal pressure.
“Setting expectations early helps everyone better prepare for the difficult conversations ahead,” Taylor said. “We owe taxpayers a budget process that is disciplined, efficient, and focused on protecting core county services.”
