Milwaukee Health Department, Board of Zoning outlines their budget and goals for 2020

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Common Council is asking questions about the proposed 2020 city budget. The Milwaukee Health Department and the Board of Zoning Appeals outlined their budgets and goals for 2020 at a meeting Wednesday morning, Oct. 16.

The proposed budget for the Board of Zoning Appeals will be decreased by eight percent, saving the city nearly $30,000.

The board also plans to minimize review and hearing times to help speed up development in the City of Milwaukee.

The proposed budget for the Milwaukee Health Department will increase from about $26 million to $29 million in 2020.

“Our vision is living your best life and this vision is again rooted on addressing social deterrence of health. You know, how can you live your best life if you don’t have a place to sleep, if you don’t have a safe place to be, if you don’t have a job or way to generate extra income in a meaningful way,” Milwaukee Health Commissioner Jeanette Kowalik said.

Right now, there are 61 vacant positions within the Milwaukee Health Department, but officials say some of them are in the process of being filled.