Milwaukee County 2023 budget recommends investments in parks, mental health and corrections

NOW: Milwaukee County 2023 budget recommends investments in parks, mental health and corrections
NEXT:

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley gave is 2023 budget address to County supervisors at the Milwaukee Courthouse on Thursday.

The plan focuses on mental healthcare, substance abuse, county parks and services and racial equity.

The budget proposal totals $1.37 billion, with a property tax levy increase of 1.1% from 2022.

"I'm pleased to recommend a budget that builds on the victories in equity we've achieved so far and addresses acute community needs," Crowley said Thursday.

The proposal notes programming and nutritional funding increases for the House of Correction, soon to be renamed the Community Reintegration Center.

"It is Milwaukee County's job to provide a structural rehabilitative environment that prepares these individuals to return to their community in a much better place than they were before," Crowley explained.

The budget also invests $21 million toward Community Access to Recovery Services, including mental health and substance abuse programs.

It also adds more funding toward a new center for the Medical Examiner and Office of Emergency Management.

"This will enhance public safety, save lives, and allow for more efficient and cost-effective responses to emergency situations," Crowley said.

Also included, a highly requested part of the budget: a $1.5 million funding increase for the Parks department, adding 17 new full-time positions.

Funding will also go toward the plan to replace the beloved Runway Dog Park.

Additionally, a raise and PTO increase for county employees, with funding toward diverse recruitment while creating two more positions in the Office of Equity.

"Milwaukee county is working to intentionally diversify our workforce in all levels of our organization so that county government reflects the full diversity of the community that we serve," Crowley said.

Although the proposal avoids any major cuts, the budget would reduce Milwaukee County Transit System bus service for four routes and make cuts to community-based services in the youth justice system.

Crowley said rising state mandate costs and stagnant state aid is hurting budgets toward Milwaukee's future.

He's pushing the state for a one percent sales tax increase to help.

"Milwaukee County is having to do more with less year after year as the structural budget gap persists," Crowley said. "The tough decisions made in this budget should serve as a preview of what lies ahead in Milwaukee County if we are not given the tools to raise additional revenue and fund our local priorities."

The 2023 budget proposal closes a budget gap of $12.6 million.

A public hearing is set for Nov. 1. Budget adoption is set for the Milwaukee County Board meeting on Nov. 10.

Share this article: