By Derek Lawson

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Milwaukee County budget talks are dialing up tension as local supervisors clash with the county executive’s proposed fiscal plan for 2026. Four county board members, Supervisors Anne O’Connor, Caroline Gómez-Tom, Justin Bielinski, and Juan Miguel Martinez, issued a candid dispatch Tuesday, criticizing the budget put forth by County Executive David Crowley. In Milwaukee County’s statement, the supervisors expressed concerns about what they see as imbalanced funding priorities, notably the allocation of funds towards law enforcement and incarceration at the expense of community services.

“This budget, as proposed, forces County residents to pay more while getting less,” said the supervisors in a joint statement obtained by Milwaukee County’s official website. They emphasize the need to inclusively to shape the budget, calling for the public’s voice, particularly as nearly half of the tax levy is earmarked for law enforcement and correctional facilities, with cuts also looming over behavioral health services by about $17.6 million. The supervisors stressed the gap this creates between reactive measures and preventive approaches, which in their view undercuts public health and community well-being.

Transit cuts are also at the forefront of the dispute, with the proposed budget suggesting service reductions of up to 15% in the Milwaukee County Transit System. The supervisors warn that such cuts could impose significant challenges for “working people, seniors, and students who rely on the bus,” potentially hindering access to essential services like jobs, schools, and healthcare.

The statement draws attention to the broader funding context, noting that while the State government continues to shortchange the county, federal support seems to be receding, leaving local governments to grapple with rising demands and shrinking resources. “Milwaukee County cannot be left holding the bag while the State and Federal government fail to do their part,” they described, imploring a fair deal for residents and encouraging public action to demand a more favorable budget outcome.

The supervisors’ call to action reflects a growing urgency for community engagement in governmental decision-making, particularly when it comes to allocating public funds. As budget negotiations progress, Milwaukee County faces a pivotal moment to determine its financial direction, one that could significantly affect its residents’ quality of life.