Mayor Dave Cieslewicz released his draft operating budget this week, calling for a 2.9% increase in the tax levy, which would hike taxes on the average home by 4.8%.
The total budget weighs in at $247 million in spending, 72% of which would be raised through the property tax levy.
The mayor is seeking to increase funding for community services by $200,000 and fund a community development grant writer who will look for more. He also wants to create a crime unit to deal with habitual offenders. And he's keeping Madison City Channel alive, despite a loss of funding, by integrating it with the city's IT department.
But on the chopping block is a request for additional positions in the police department. No new city vehicles will be purchased next year.
Ald. Rhodes-Conway is pleased with what she's seen so far but says "the devil is in the details."
