Dane County executive signs 2025 budget proposal to increase housing and service opportunities

Interim Dane County Executive Jamie Kuhn signed the 2025 Dane County budget Nov. 4, that will focus on affordable housing and access to community services alongside the Dane County Board of Supervisors.

Kuhn’s budget proposal totals $926 million. The operating budget is $813 million while the capital plan is $112 million, a nearly 7% decrease from 2024. The cut in spending is a result of pandemic-era federal aid expiring. 

The proposed tax rate is $2.57 per $1,000 of equalized value, down from $2.73 in 2024 and the lowest it has been since 2010.

“This budget prioritizes community needs by identifying and funding gaps in services while ensuring we are good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Kuhn said in a Nov. 4 release.

County Board Chair Patrick Miles said the 2025 budget is a “reflection of the values and priorities we all have to serve the Dane County community.” 

Highlights of Kuhn’s 2025 budget proposal include: 

• Over $30 million for housing and housing supports.
• Enhance access for veterans to programs they are eligible for.
• Additional capacity for services in Adult Protective Services for those in need.
• Funds to establish a Dementia Care Stabilization Unit.
• Increase language access in multiple departments to county services.
• Increase support for reentry and jail diversion programs.
• $10 million commitment to the Dane County Conservation Fund.
• Investments to the Alliant Energy Center campus and funding for next steps of the Exposition Hall expansion.
• $16.6 million in county highway projects across the County.
• $2 million in capital financing to expand access to Sunshine Place, a community resource hub serving eastern Dane County.

Newly elected Dane County Executive Melissa Agard will have the power to approve or veto the finalized budget proposal once in office.

---