Madison Mayor Paul Soglin initiated the lengthy city budget negotiation process Tuesday with the release of his $225.3 million 2014 executive capital budget, in which he appropriates funds to update downtown infrastructure and further environmentally sustainable projects.
Soglin’s 2014 projections are more expensive than any of his past budgets, approximately $33.2 million more than the adopted 2013 budget, and are directed toward improving pavement roads that surround State Street, such as West Johnson Street, North Henry Street, King Street and East Main Street.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said they also increase funding for late-night lighting in the downtown area as a safety measure and call for the construction of a new Fire Administration building.
Verveer said he’s “pleased” with the proposed budget.
“I think it’s a very responsible budget that keeps the construction of Library Mall and other downtown projects on schedule,” Verveer said.
Soglin designated $4.9 million to redevelop Library Mall, a project Verveer said will legalize bicycle traffic and increase space for food carts on the 700 and 800 blocks of State Street, and will hopefully be completed by August 2014.
The mayor will announce his executive operational budget Oct. 1, which addresses the recurring costs to the city, while the capital budget relates to one-time costs, such as construction projects.
Madison’s Board of Estimates and Common Council will then review the mayor’s budget and attach amendments before voting on it the week of Monday, Nov. 4.
