Waukesha Times

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow presented his 2025 Executive Budget to the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors. The budget, which is nearly $400 million, continues the county's focus on justice and public safety as top funding priorities. The new budget shows a decrease of $2.9 million from the previous year.

"Our residents expect a safe community with low crime rates and high-quality services. Their standards are high, and they count on us to meet those expectations. This budget is both balanced and firmly aligns with our longstanding principles of fiscal conservatism. It reflects the cumulative effects of years of budget cuts, staffing reductions, and service limitations," said County Executive Paul Farrow.

The proposed budget includes a cut in the county tax rate for the 11th consecutive year under Farrow's leadership. The 2025 budget reduces the tax rate from $1.39 per thousand dollars of home value to $1.35, marking a 3% decrease and reaching the lowest tax rate in over three decades. This would likely keep Waukesha County with the second-lowest effective tax rate among Wisconsin's 72 counties.

In terms of law enforcement funding, the largest portion of new county tax levy—$3.5 million—and shared revenue—$2.1 million—is allocated to support law enforcement programs.

For Health and Human Services (HHS), an investment of $97,000 is planned for essential services such as mental health support, protection for at-risk children and adults, veterans' benefits, opioid crisis combat efforts, and other critical areas.

The capital budget for infrastructure totals $43.7 million for 2025, which is a decrease of $9.2 million from the previous year's budget.

"This budget reflects the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team in Waukesha County. This collaborative approach combined with our commitment to conservative financial practices has resulted in a thoughtfully planned and balanced budget," concluded Paul Farrow.

The Board of Supervisors is expected to pass the final budget in November.

Further details about the 2025 Waukesha County Executive Budget can be found online at www.waukeshacounty.gov/Budget.