Common Council: Meeting of November 10, 2026

The City of Madison Common Council met November 10, 2026, and unanimously adopted the 2027 executive capital and operating budgets, as amended, and the 2027 city budget resolution. The adopted resolution set the 2026 property-tax levy at $337,902,281, with an estimated tax rate of 6.93 mills, and authorized up to $398,090,526 in general-obligation indebtedness, including carryover authority. The capital budget amendments increased new funding to approximately $295.9 million. Among the approved changes, the council added $15 million for the Park Street–Badger Road project to address a financing gap; the city expects to cover that amount with projected proceeds from closing four TIF districts. Other capital actions included accelerating replacement of city election equipment to 2027, advancing the Hepka Road interchange with UW Health covering the interchange’s full local share while the city funds its bridge upgrades, and allowing TID 50 funds for permanent fixtures at Mifflin Plaza. A separate amendment provided for Lake Wingra Loop signage. The operating budget included an amendment using just under $200,000 of fund balance to reduce the levy, and a sewer-budget adjustment for an estimated $1.3 million increase in Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District treatment charges, funded from reserves.

Public commenters raised concerns about the budget’s body-worn-camera program, including vendor costs, privacy protections, oversight, and the program’s reliance on an unawarded federal grant; one commenter cited a $415,000 capital figure and a separate $1.2 million taser purchase. Council members said camera policy work and safeguards were still being developed, while supporting the budget. Commenters also urged stronger staffing and funding for the Office of the Independent Monitor, including support for a $50,000 amendment for investigative services; the operating budget as adopted retained the Finance Committee’s amendments. No vendor contract award was made during the meeting.