Update on 2025 Budget Amendment for Police Civilian Oversight Board, Office of the Independent Police Monitor and the Imagination Center

Over the last few weeks, I’ve worked with Alders Rummel and Duncan to address funding changes proposed in the Mayor’s executive operating budget which was described as follows:

“Reducing the budget of the Office of the Independent Monitor by $195,000 to reflect lower-than-expected activity and reallocating that money to the library system for Reindahl Imagination Center start-up costs.”

While I’ve been and will continue to be a strong advocate for the Imagination Center—a crucial library for residents in District 17,  which lacks a community center and serves many rent-burdened families in one of Madison’s fastest-growing areas—I also recognize the vital role oversight bodies play in promoting accountability across cities nationwide.

Balancing investments in both community resources and public accountability is essential for fostering a more thriving and equitable city.

After extensive efforts, we were able to come up with a partial restoration of $127,210 for the PCOB and OIM. This funding includes:

• Restoring 0.60 of a Data Analyst role
• $2,900 for conferences
• $50,000 for legal services
• $13,580 for PCOB stipends and training

The restoration was achieved by reallocating savings from various departments, including legal fees and fleet services.

For more details (and budget breakdown) on our amendment, please read pages 12 and 13. Learn more about the Imagination Center here. Learn more about the Police Civilian Oversight Board and the Office of the Independent Police Monitor here.

If you’d like to share any feedback and/or ask questions, please email me at district17@cityofmadison.com.