District 19 "Exploring the Budget" Survey Results

Thank You!

Let me begin my thanking the forty persons who attended one of my three "Exploring the Budget" sessions in September and October, then took the time to complete a survey on their preferences for the various agency budget cut proposals.

The Survey:

As part of the 2025 operating budget process, every Madison agency was required to suggest potential service cuts that would result in a 5% budget savings. These proposals totaled $23 million in potential savings. A referendum to increase Madison's budget authority by $22 million is on the November 5 election ballot. If it fails, the executive alternate operating budget reflects an immediate $5.6 million in cuts with more of the proposed cuts used over the following five years. Even if the referendum passes, some of the cuts may be needed in future years.

Participants in my "Exploring the Budget" sessions were encouraged to complete a "Survey Monkey" survey in which they recommended for each agency proposal:

1. Increase: Finding even deeper cuts
2. Decrease: Cutting less deep
3. Using the proposed cuts

Survey Results

Below is a link to the results. The titles for each agency are a little confusing. The four numbers shown are (1) the 2024 agency approved budget, (2) the 2025 proposed budget without cuts, (3) the 5% cut amount, and (4) the total identified potential cuts (some agencies identified more than 5%).