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Content referencing Shawn Rolland
Courthouse Project Cost Explodes
New cost estimate nearly double prior figure.
Jul 2nd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
New Courthouse Expected to Hike Property Taxes
$490 million project could nearly double county's debt, defer more maintenance across county.
Jul 2nd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Chalk Writing Stirs Free Speech Debate at County Board
Supervisors change ordinances to allow chalk writing in county parks.
Jun 29th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Board Confirms Crowley’s Budget Director
Crowley's pick, a former MPS official, faced opposition from unusual mix of supervisors.
Jun 26th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Sheridan Park Bluffs Are Crumbling Away
Could threaten road, homes in Cudahy. Quick action needed, officials say, but funding an issue.
Jun 23rd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
New Budget Director Faces Pushback in Second Hearing
Powerful Finance Committee approves confirmation, but not without some sharp comments from supervisors.
Jun 19th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
County Investing $2.5 Million in Housing Assistance for Homeless
County doubles down on housing first as federal government switches funding to shelters.
Jun 16th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley’s New Budget Director Aces First Confirmation Hearing
'A person who likes torture'? Committee backs Nick Sinram, former MPS budget director.
Jun 13th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
We’re Changing, County Transit Officials Say After Scathing Audit
New bus system leader says 'we're making progress' on finances and transparency.
Jun 9th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Authorize Sheriff to Tow Reckless Drivers
Reckless drivers caught by MCSO will have to pay a fine to get their vehicle back.
May 29th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Call for State Audit of MMSD
Nine supervisors push for audit of sewerage district, citing charges by whistleblowers.
May 18th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Changing County Policies After Health Care Fiasco
Supervisor pushes for greater board oversight of health care contract.
May 8th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
After Health Care Contract Fiasco, Board Passes Changes in Process
'We were blindsided by lapses in contracts that are critical,' supervisor warns.
Mar 25th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Sheriff, Clerk Of Courts Win Large Pay Hikes
Supervisors back 15% raises but question process, data used to justify salaries.
Mar 22nd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Put a Hold on Reckless Driving Ordinance
Concerns about allowing sheriff's office to tow and impound reckless drivers' vehicles.
Mar 21st, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Board Seeks Transparency For Contracts After Health Care Fiasco
Majority backs Sup. Bielinski's push for public updates on all county contracts.
Mar 3rd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
How Does Milwaukee County Use AI?
At least one county supervisor would like to know.
Feb 13th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Want Audit After Health Care Fiasco
In wake of the contracting scandal, elected officials seek answers.
Feb 13th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
‘Lipstick on a Pig,’ Board Passes Health Contract After Process Failure
Supervisors say they had little choice but to approve a flawed health insurance agreement.
Feb 6th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Tentatively Approve Suspicious Health Contract
Crowley administration pushes approval though not sure of financial details and employee who oversaw contract was fired.
Feb 2nd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
‘Red Flags’ Abound in Suspicious $450 Million County Health Contract
Board members blindsided by massive contract. Attorneys warn of 'catastrophic risk.'
Jan 30th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
County Board Wants To Freeze ICE Out of Parks
Supervisors draft vague "law enforcement ordinance."
Jan 22nd, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
MCTS Launches New Fare Evasion, Security System
Aiming to reduce number of free riders, increase transit system revenue.
Jan 19th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
Nearly All County Supervisors Running Unopposed
15 of 17 incumbents have no opponent in spring election.
Jan 11th, 2026 by Graham Kilmer
County Building New Zoo Entrance in 2026
Project solving traffic flow and safety issues, redesigning ticketing process, at a high cost.
Nov 28th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Adopts 2026 Budget, Reduces Size of MCTS Cut
Supervisors manage to restore some cuts, but transit and human services are hard hit in 2026 budget.
Nov 6th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Could County Create Affordable Housing Loan Fund?
Supervisor pushes administration to explore new public financing model.
Nov 3rd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Use Parliamentary Moves To Save MCTS
But proposal might only make budget deficit larger in 2027.
Oct 31st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Trying To Reverse Crowley’s Budget Cuts
Procedural move would provide board with revenue to craft amendment.
Oct 30th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Will County Hike Wheel Tax to Fund Buses?
Facing deep transit cuts, some supervisors consider raising 'extremely unpopular tax.'
Oct 28th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisor Pushes Fare Evasion Plan, Tangles With Sheriff
Supervisor proposes funding come from with Sheriff's Office.
Oct 23rd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Emails Reveal MCTS Officials Concealed Budget Deficit From Comptroller, County Board
MCTS planned to keep elected officials in the dark about its finances.
Oct 10th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Support Balloon Release Ban
Not just an environmental issue, balloons pose a second, more immediate risk.
Sep 11th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Board Demands WIAA Address Hate Speech in H.S. Sports
Officials say sports governing body hasn't taken action to stop racial taunts, harassment at games.
Sep 7th, 2025 by Corrinne Hess
Bus System Fare Evasion Plan Gets Chilly Reception
'It doesn't seem like anybody is coming to save the bus.'
Sep 4th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Suffered Serious Flood Damage
Dozens of sites damaged. County Executive Crowley repeats call for federal assistance.
Aug 26th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
MCTS Releases Fare Evasion Prevention Plan
Nearly 50% of Connect 1 riders aren't paying the fare, according to transit system.
Aug 25th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Future Unclear for Senior Centers
Crowley and board at odds; he wants to pause all repairs until long-term plan decided.
Aug 20th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Can County Afford A New $17 Million Zoo Entrance?
County faces extremely tight budget in 2026, zoo project a big ticket item.
Aug 9th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Waffle on Marcus Center
Will they support one final funding deal for county-owned downtown arts center?
Jul 30th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Backs Plan to Target Bus Riders Who Don’t Pay
MCTS asked to develop policies to reduce fare evasion without causing conflicts.
Jul 26th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Gets Serious About Buying New Buses
New budget structure aims to avoid delays, as need for 150 new buses looms.
Jul 24th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Will County Close McGovern Senior Center?
Report recommends no more investment in senior center or Wil-O-Way buildings.
Jul 23rd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
MCTS Budget Deficit Bigger Than Previously Reported
Planned service cuts will only get the deficit to $10.9 million.
Jul 17th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
MCTS Will Fix Budget With Federal Funds
Which means it will hit fiscal cliff in 2026. Transit officials grilled about budget hole.
Jul 9th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Facing Transit Deficit, Supervisors Target Free Riders
Big problem with cheaters. MCTS data suggests one in four riders evade payment.
Jul 2nd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Rejects McGovern Senior Center Project
Controversial project would have involved private housing on public land, but was viewed as only option to save center.
Jun 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Supervisors Blindsided by MCTS Cuts
Supervisors balk at lack of financial transparency from county transit system.
Jun 19th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Divided on McGovern Park Senior Housing Project
Halfway through its review process, it remains unclear if project will pass.
Jun 17th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Tours New Forensic Science Center
Building 70% complete. Crowley pitches such partnerships of county and state.
May 18th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Sup. Eckblad Pushes County Affordable Housing Directory
County would partner with startup CityWise on novel affordable rental listing.
May 17th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
How Should MCTS Spend $35,000?
Bus drivers union at odds with transit system over safety.
May 10th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
The Final Voyage of Deep Thought
It was like a carnival down at the lakefront, as All City Towing managed to remove infamous boat.
May 7th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Through The Rain, Thousands March For Immigrant Rights
Annual May Day march draws increased attention, attendance due to Trump administration actions.
May 1st, 2025 by Sophie Bolich
New Report Shows Lower Deficit for 2025 Budget
A bit of good news for a government facing looming fiscal problem in 2026.
Apr 23rd, 2025 by Caleb Rose
Supervisors Nix Uber Rides for Bus Drivers
Funding will instead go toward an MCTS van program to pick up drivers getting off bus mid-route.
Apr 17th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
MCTS Lacks Cash To Pay For Uber Rides For Bus Drivers
Program to pick up drivers at various points around the city would last less than two months.
Apr 3rd, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Seek to Limit Cellphone Use While Driving
Supervisors seek state law requiring use of hands-free cellphone device while driving.
Mar 25th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Adding Funding To Emergency Housing
$500,000 will bolster emergency homeless response.
Mar 17th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Two Key Issues Driving County’s Poor Budget Picture
County projects to have $47 million deficit in 2026, but it already faces a 2025 deficit.
Mar 14th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisor Proposes Work Group For County Budget Problems
Sup. Shawn Rolland wants group to seek solutions to county's financial troubles.
Mar 12th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Should County Create New Bus Fund?
Potential policy would prioritize funding for buses. County supervisors will decide.
Mar 4th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Expedited Video Release, But Sheriff Must Act
Resolution urges Sheriff to adopt policy similar to city's for Milwaukee Police.
Feb 8th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
Museum Staff a Casualty of Villa Terrace, Charles Allis Privatization
The firings were a shock, as nearly all staff of both museums let go.
Jan 27th, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Tightens Financial Reporting
New resolution requires stricter financial reporting from county departments.
Jan 1st, 2025 by Graham Kilmer
County Hikes Funding For Jail Contractor
More funding for financially troubled company handling jail health care.
Dec 31st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
At Year End County Narrowly Avoids Budget Deficit
Strategic cost cutting in September has saved the budget, will leave small surplus.
Dec 17th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Was Jonathan Brostoff Bullied?
Some Democrats point finger at Shepherd Express, others for Brostoff’s suicide.
Nov 12th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
MCTS Tries New Tactics To Improve Safety for Operators
Providing rides for bus operators back to the station after they end their shift.
Nov 9th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Quickly Adopts 2025 Budget
Board makes few changes to county executive's recommended budget. Adds Domes plan and funding for eviction representation.
Nov 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Tight Budget Forces Difficult Vote on Housing, Juvenile Justice
Sup. Shawn Rolland wants $500,000 for a housing program. But his chosen source raises concerns for administration, colleagues.
Nov 1st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Spikes Chair’s Plan For Reduced Bus Fares For Voting
Wide-ranging concerns raised about Marcelia Nicholson's proposal.
Oct 3rd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Officials Close 2024 Budget Gap
Board approves funding package closing $19 million gap. But a new challenge awaits for 2025 budget.
Sep 20th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Strings Together Funds to Close $19 Million 2024 Budget Deficit
$3.3 million in ARPA funds, including $1 million originally allocated to affordable housing, used to close budget gap.
Sep 6th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Approves Up To $5,000 Fines for Illegal Dumping in Parks
And costs could go higher if cleanup costs exceed $5,000. Full board approval remains.
Sep 5th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
New Buses, Courthouse Project Pushed For 2025 Budget
County committee doing early work on budget struggles to find enough funding.
Aug 13th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Municipal Cooperation Needed on Illegal Dumping in Parks
County considers fines up to $10,000, but lower municipal penalties would prevail.
Jul 10th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Could Boost Illegal Dumping Fine 2,400%
Supervisor Shawn Rolland proposes raising fine from $200 to $5,000.
Jul 5th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Will Weigh In On MPS Trouble
Six supervisors support Sup. Bielinski's resolution opposing any changes to MPS governance.
Jun 25th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Embrace Part-Time Roles, Schedule
Supervisors change start time of board meetings, reflecting truly part-time nature of job.
Jun 25th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Government Charts Big Expansion of Solar Power
New Coggs building project is a catalyst for countywide plan exploring solar power.
Jun 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Mayor, Democrats Target Rep. Ryan Clancy
Why are they opposing incumbent Democrat? In a word, they hate him.
Jun 11th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
County Creates Housing Voucher to Landlord Pipeline
Housing Division ready to launch program incentivizing landlords to accept tenants with housing assistance vouchers.
Jun 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Corrections Driving County Budget Into Deficit
Along with lower tax revenue than projected. '2024 may punch us in the face.'
May 21st, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Charles Allis and Villa Terrace Could Be Sold
New report looks at future of museums, with selling them a last resort.
May 5th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Parks Finds Support for Tosa Road-To-Trail Project
A section of Underwood Creek Parkway would become mixed-use trail.
Apr 17th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
The Return of County Cronyism
Or maybe it never went away. Push for 36% salary hikes echoes mentality behind infamous county pension plan.
Apr 15th, 2024 by Bruce Murphy
After Veto, Reporting, Board Reverses Course On 36% Raises For Electeds
Special meeting used to support county executive's original proposal of 11.5%.
Apr 12th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Elected Officials Lobbied Board for 36% Pay Hike
Actions by constitutional officers raises ethical concerns, county executive's office says.
Apr 10th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Meet The New Milwaukee County Board
When the next legislative cycle begins, there will be four new supervisors.
Apr 7th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Backs Less Road-To-Trail Conversion in Jackson Park
Board backs area supervisors' proposal that costs more money.
Mar 26th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Board Approves Insulin Price-Fixing Lawsuit
Plus: County will do business with historic bank, a new bus replacement policy and new housing-related projects are approved.
Mar 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Board Wants Ceasefire In Gaza, But Only By A Narrow Margin
Fight over underlying language divides board.
Mar 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Committee Backs Housing Voucher Incentives
Program would incentivize landlords to accept tenants receiving rental assistance.
Mar 16th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
County Funds Black-Owned Bank’s Capital Campaign
Columbia Savings & Loan seeking to raise $10 million in deposits to fund 100 home loans.
Mar 15th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Supervisors Seek Change to Housing Discrimination Law
Change in state law needed for county to address housing voucher discrimination.
Mar 9th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Joint City-County Housing Committee Gaining Support
County Board committee provides first county approval for joint housing initiative.
Mar 6th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Huge Turnout Supports Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
But committee rejects language accusing Israel of 'genocide' and can't agree on resolution.
Mar 5th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Crowley Signs First in State Housing Proposal
$1 million to provide emergency shelter for people in crisis and affordable-rate apartments.
Feb 26th, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
Proposal Would Incentivize Landlords To Accept Assistance Vouchers
Proposal seeks to address housing voucher discrimination by adding incentives for landlords.
Feb 22nd, 2024 by Graham Kilmer
