Public Comment on Referendum Resolution Scheduled for August 6

The Madison Common Council is encouraging residents to submit public testimony on an important resolution affecting the City budget at its next meeting on Tuesday, August 6 at 6:30 p.m.

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.  

To register to speak in-person or virtually at the August 6 meeting, please fill out this form. The agenda item for the referendum resolution is 84443. You can also register to speak at the City County Building the day of the meeting.  

You can submit written comments on the referendum resolution by emailing allalders@cityofmadison.com.  

The Council meeting on August 6 is the community’s opportunity to have their voice heard on this vital City budget issue. A special virtual council meeting will then be held on August 20 for alders to take a final vote on the resolution. This is due to final figures from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, needed for the referendum resolution, not being ready until after August 15.  

Please note, in-person or virtual public testimony on the referendum resolution will only take place at the August 6 meeting. However, you can submit written comments to your elected officials anytime between now and August 20.  

More information on the 2025 budget process is available on the City’s Budget Outlook page.  

• Watch Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway's presentation outlining a sustainable long-term budget plan for Madison’s budget delivered at the July 16 Council meeting.
• Read the Mayor’s memo to Alders.
• See answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the budget and a potential referendum.
• Check out some interesting facts and figures about Madison’s budget.