The Dane County Board of Supervisors is currently reviewing the 2023 executive budget. Don’t have time to read the 877-page budget proposal? Don’t worry. We’re breaking down a few of the need-to-know points for you.
Joe Parsi, our County Executive, proposed the following spending allowances to the board in hopes of making progressive investments in Dane County’s quality of life.
🏠 Life’s basics
Following inflation and supply chain issues, these funds are working to address food security + a basic cost of living.
- $6 million to the Second Harvest Foodbank of South Central Wisconsin
- $1.5 million for the River Food Pantry’s new facility
- $6 million to fund a permanent men’s shelter for the homeless
- $6 million invested in Dane County Affordable Housing Development Fund
🧠 Mental health + addiction services
The county is prioritizing access to mental health resources and increasing staffing at public facilities.
- $484,000 for more staffing at the Behavioral Health Resource Center
- $500,000 towards Sheriff’s Office’s mobile crisis team
- $283,500 to fund new outreach and prevention positions
♻️ Climate change + conservation
It’s not easy bein’ green — but the 2023 budget is making room to invest in a sustainable future.
- $92,600 to boost resources for the Office of Energy and Climate Change
- $900,000 for the design of geothermal systems for the East District + Badger Prairie Campus
- $3 million to develop a commercial-scale manure treatment facility
- $500,000 towards the Waucheeta Connector Trail
- $500,000 for the PARC and Ride bike trail grant program
🛣️ General + emerging needs
A series of projects + challenges working to bolster civic and public wellness.
- $186,000 to fund testing for PFAS in drinking water supply.
- $15.6 million for road improvement projects
- $144,000 to supplement staffing of the Dane County Veterans Service Office
What comes next? The board will review the budget proposal + vote next month, Nov. 2022. When we know more, you’ll know more.