The Dane County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing Oct. 9 for community members to voice budget requests to the County Board of Supervisors.
Interim Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn proposed the new 2025 budget in September, featuring significant cuts from last year’s budget. The proposed budget, totaling $903 million, cuts nearly 7% from 2024, partially in response to the end of pandemic-era federal aid from the American Rescue Plan.
During the hearing, members of the public, primarily nonprofit leaders and union members, expressed concern over reduced funding. Many attendees spoke in favor of setting aside funds to hire a Hmong translator at the county level in order to help Hmong speakers access and utilize government programs and assistance.
Six members of the Southeast Asian Healing Center (SEAHC), ranging from college students and employees of the center to the elders in need of this assistance, explained how vital services are currently inaccessible to those who do not speak English.
“Language barrier is one of our main concerns. . . this role would serve as a vital bridge between Hmong speakers and the local government by ensuring our community is served properly and gets the services that are so needed,” said Doua Vang, executive director of SEAHC.
In addition to SEAHC, other leaders of nonprofits expressed concerns over a possible lack of funding.
Anne Maestrick, the executive director of Sunshine Place, described her organization as a “resource hub for those facing hardship” that has been recognized as a model agency working towards ending homelessness.
Maestrick asked the board to provide $2 million in the budget for Sunshine Place to replace one of their buildings, which, in addition to improving the condition of facilities, would give them more space to add new services, including mental health services.
Sun Prairie Food Pantry President Mark Thompson also voiced support for Sunshine Place and briefly advocated for support of the Sun Prairie Food Pantry, but without specific metrics.
Members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union (AFSCME) also offered a few amendments to the budget that revolved around valuable county locations, including the Dane County Airport, Henry Vilas Zoo and the Alliant Energy Center.
AFSCME members discussed adding new employees to these locations, such as janitorial staff, mechanics and events coordinators. They explained these positions could be budget neutral by replacing current positions which are unnecessary or are ending after this year, and they would replace outsourcing that is currently needed.
The Board of Supervisors will continue to review and finalize the budget, considering these requests.
“The budget is determined based on the needs of the communities it serves. It is important that members of the community are given the opportunity to contribute at every step of the process,” Chair Patrick Miles stated in an Oct. 1 press release.
The finalized budget is scheduled to be released in late October.
