Milwaukee County Board Adopts Amended Resolution to Avert 2024 Budget Deficit

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors has adopted an amended resolution to address the projected $19 million budget deficit for 2024, following community input and careful consideration of fiscal challenges. The deficit was largely due to declining sales tax revenue, rising healthcare costs, and overtime overruns in key departments.

The adopted resolution includes an amendment, sponsored by Supervisor Anne O’Connor, allocating $100,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the Market Match program. This program promotes food security by matching up to $60 of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits at 12 local farmers’ markets, ensuring low-income families have continued access to fresh, healthy food through 2025.

“Expanding the Market Match program ensures that families who rely on SNAP benefits can continue to access fresh, local produce. This is about investing in both the health and well-being of our community while supporting local farmers,” said Supervisor O’Connor. “By listening to our residents and working collaboratively, we’re ensuring that vital services remain available as we navigate this fiscal challenge.”

Additionally, Supervisor Justin Bielinski has sponsored an amendment reallocating $300,000 in tax levy funds to enable the Department of Human Resources, in collaboration with the Office of the Sheriff, to commission an independent staffing study of Sheriff operations. The proposed plan resulting from the study, along with its budget, will be subject to future approval by the County Board.

“Overtime costs at the Sheriff’s Office are a significant driver of the County’s budget challenges. Conducting a thorough review of the Sheriff’s operations is essential to making informed decisions about staffing and resource allocation.” said Supervisor Bielinski. “This independent study will give us the data we need to enhance efficiency, improve public safety, and better serve the people of Milwaukee County. Public feedback played a key role in helping us prioritize what matters most to our community. We’ve crafted a balanced approach that not only addresses the immediate deficit but also lays the foundation for long-term improvements.”

More information regarding the specifics of the adopted resolution can be found here.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.