Here’s what you need to know about Milwaukee’s $2-billion 2025 budget passed by the Common Council
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The Milwaukee Common Council unanimously adopted the budget Friday
Milwaukee’s $2 billion budget is now headed to the mayor for final approval.
“The budget process is never easy. It’s weeks of hard work followed by difficult decisions,” Milwaukee Common Council President Jose Perez said in the adoption meeting Friday, November 8, 2024.
The 2025 budget will impact household budgets across the city, touching everything from police staffing to parking to property taxes.
Here’s what’s going to cost more next year.
Parking fines will increase by $12 on average, depending on the type of citation. The fee bump, along with the Department of Public Works’ plan to issue 44,000 more tickets, is expected to bring in an extra $2-million in revenue.
“I just feel like there’s going to be more cars in the lots. Most people don’t have money for it, and it’s just too much,” said Tyonna Brown, who lives in Milwaukee.
The city will also increase fees for snow and ice control and waste removal by two percent. According to budget documents, the annual cost for a household with one garbage cart will be $261.36. The annual cost for snow and ice removal for the average homeowner will be $46.
The property tax levy will also increase by two percent. The city’s budget office estimates a home valued at $166,000 will have an extra $62 tacked on to their bill.
While maintaining basic city services, Mayor Cavalier Johnson said the city is going to use much of next year’s budget on public safety.
“I want for individuals who commit crimes against Milwaukee, including crimes of reckless driving, including crimes that maim, harm and kill people and cause mayhem and destruction in our community — to be held accountable,” Johnson said when he introduced his budget in September.
On top of the $314-million Johnson already dedicated to crime reduction, a new budget amendment by Alderman Peter Burgelis and Alderman Scott Spiker will put $85,000 towards police officer recruitment.
The extra money will be used for hiring a social media recruitment consultant, and giving bonuses to city employees that help recruit officers.
“I believe if they gave police the right budget that they need, a lot of the situations that are happening could possibly be resolved,” said Velma McKnuckles, who lives in Milwaukee.
The budget now goes back to the mayor’s desk for him to sign. He also has the power to veto any amendments. Johnson has to be done by close of business Nov. 19.
