Supervisor Roundtree Jr. Casts Lone Vote Against 2027 Budget, Citing $4.56M Gap
Supervisor calls for accountability, transparency, and a clear plan to address the budget shortfall
MILWAUKEE – Supervisor Leevan D. Roundtree Jr. cast the lone vote against the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors’ adoption of the 2027 County Budget today, citing a $4.56 million funding gap brought to the Board’s attention on the day of adoption.
The discrepancy resulted from an error in an automated budget formula. The proposed plan to address the gap relies on potential savings, including possible rebates, remaining capital balances, and anticipated in-year savings, rather than confirmed funding sources.
Supervisor Roundtree Jr. said he could not support a budget that remained short $4.56 million without a clear and verified plan to account for the difference.
“I cannot in good conscience vote for a budget that is missing $4.56 million,” said Supervisor Leevan D. Roundtree Jr. “That is my own standard of accountability. When I ran for this seat, District 5 residents told me they were tired of going along to get along. They wanted someone who would ask hard questions, read the fine print, and vote on the facts. I listened. I was not elected to be a rubber stamp, and I won’t be one, even when I’m the only vote standing. I want to be clear that my vote is not a rejection of the hard work that went into this budget or the progress we made together. I appreciate everyone who contributed to this process, and I’m proud of what we accomplished, including my amendment to strengthen recruitment and retention at the Sheriff’s Office. I will continue pushing for complete answers, accountability for what happened, and a real plan to close this gap. That is what the people of District 5 elected me to do.”
Supervisor Roundtree Jr. thanked Finance Committee Chair Supervisor Steve F. Taylor, the Comptroller’s Office, Research Services, Legislative Services, and County staff for their work throughout a challenging budget process.
In addition to his recruitment and retention amendment, Supervisor Roundtree Jr. supported Amendment 15, which requires the Office of Strategy, Budget and Performance (OSBP) to review its budget procedures and report its findings to the Board in January.
He has also submitted a formal request to OSBP Executive Director Nick Sinram seeking a full accounting of the formula error and the circumstances that led to the funding discrepancy.
Supervisor Roundtree Jr. intends to continue pressing for answers and a clear plan to address the shortfall, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in the County’s budget process.
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.
