Why I strongly support the City going to referendum and what it means for District 17 and Madison

Hello friends, 

As the Alder of District 17, I am in strong support of the City of Madison going to referendum.

If adopted, the resolution would place a referendum on the November 5 general election ballot. The referendum would authorize an increase of $22 million to the state-imposed property tax levy limit to allow the City to continue to fund police, fire, garbage collection, parks and library operations, and other City services and operations.

Here’s why this step is crucial for our community and what it will mean for the constituents in District 17, as well as jobs and services across the city.

Addressing Needs in District 17

• Resource Desert: District 17 lacks essential resources. Many residents are without internet access, Sandburg Elementary School has high percentages of students from low-income families, and there is no central gathering space for families or individuals to come together for regular programming indoors. 
• Community Needs: Our district has a diverse population, with 13% born outside the U.S. and 25% under 18. These demographics highlight the urgent need for accessible educational and cultural resources.
• Population Growth:  In the Reindahl Library service area, the population is growing at almost double the rate of the City as a whole. (15% over the past 10 years as opposed to 8% in the City overall).
• Walking Distance to Libraries: The east side is home to more than 96,000 people, but only 3 libraries. Distance to east side libraries from Sandburg Elementary School:
  • Lakeview: 4.2 Miles, 1hr and 33 minute walk
  • Hawthorne: 3.2 Miles, 1hr and 12 minute walk
  • Pinney: 4.6 Miles, 1hr and 41 minute walk
• Fair Investment: Taxpayers in District 17 have not seen much investment despite their contributions. I believe it’s beyond time that our district residents see an investment such as the Imagination Center. 

The Imagination Center: A Community Hub

• Project Overview: The Imagination Center at Reindahl Park is a multi-departmental project involving the library, Madison Parks, and Engineering. It will include a library, community gathering spaces, and collaborative programming.
• Growing Population: The northeast side is growing twice as fast as the rest of the city. This area, home to many immigrants, low-income families, and residents of color, currently lacks nearby library services.
• Enhanced Services: The center will provide crucial services, from internet access to educational programs, significantly benefiting students and families in our district.
• Resources at Reindahl Park: This recent event took place took place outside because there is no centralized public space.
• Staffing: If the referendum passes we will see three new positions added in 2025 towards staffing the Imagination Center.

Budget and Staffing for the Imagination Center

• Operating Budget: The estimated operating budget for the Imagination Center is between $1,518,746 and $1,755,894 (in 2025 costs). This range reflects different operational hours.
• Timeline: The project is scheduled to go to bid in December 2024 and open in fall 2026.
• Staffing Needs:
  • 2025: Hire three systemwide positions (one clerk, one IT position, and one maintenance position) to support the new library. (Should the referendum pass)
  • 2026: Hire new staff for the facility, some for the entire year and others for a partial year.
  • 2027: Increase staffing costs to cover the entire year.

Financial Impact of the Referendum on Homeowners and Renters

• Property Tax Impact: The average homeowner will pay an additional $20 per month on their property tax bill.
  • Home Valued at $230,000: Approximately $10 per month increase.
  • Home Valued at $300,000: Approximately $13.50 per month increase.
  • Home Valued at $400,000: Approximately $17.50 per month increase.
• Renters: The effect on rent prices is expected to be minimal due to Madison's very low vacancy rate. The primary driver of rent increases is the housing market, not property tax bills.

Citywide Benefits

• Preventing Cuts: The referendum will help the city avoid cutting numerous jobs and essential services, which are vital for our district's well-being​.
• Job Creation and Preservation: The referendum not only adds three positions for the Imagination Center but also helps save existing jobs and services—both crucial for our district.
• Addressing Population Growth: Madison's population is projected to exceed 300,000 by 2030, growing by 50,000 since 2014. The Imagination Center is part of proactive measures to accommodate this growth.

Financial Challenges and Solutions

• City's Financial Situation: Madison faces a structural deficit, projected to reach $63 million by 2030 if the current level of services is maintained.
• State Funding Issues: Madison receives less state shared revenue per resident compared to other cities. If Madison received the statewide average, it would have an additional $54 million annually.
• Wisconsin’s State Legislature: The State has not allowed the City of Madison to levy a local sales tax.  However, we will continue to advocate for a local sales tax.
  • The State also has a $3 billion surplus from its last state budget and even a small fraction of what taxpayers have already paid in state taxes could easily help to solve this problem. It’s not a Madison problem.  Neighboring Fitchburg, Monona, Oregon, and Maple Bluff are all considering referendums in November because Dane County is growing, and the State has made it impossible to keep up.

Why the Referendum is Crucial

Supporting the referendum is an investment in the future of our District. It adds three staff positions to the Imagination Center, supports jobs, and maintains essential services across the city.

I urge you to join me in supporting the City going to referendum.

Helpful links to review: 

• How to share your comments with the Common Council this evening or by email.

• Latest on the Northeast Draft Plan which includes demographic info for our district.

• Making the case for the Imagination Center.

• Update on 2025 Budget Process

   

Sabrina Madison
Alder, District 17, district17@cityofmadison.com