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Madison City Council votes to put referendum on November ballot

MADISON (WKOW) -- The Madison Common Council voted Tuesday night to put a referendum on the ballot in November.

The referendum would help the city make up a $22 million budget shortfall in 2025. If the referendum fails, the city would need to cut up to $6 million in city operational expenses from city departments.

If the referendum passed, it would increase the property tax for the average homeowner in Madison by roughly $240 per year.

In a statement submitted by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, she says she will continue to look for ways to address the city's budget crisis.

“Madison has never been afraid to tackle difficult problems, debate the best possible solution, and stand up for what's right. That spirit was on display tonight when the Madison Common Council adopted the referendum resolution by a vote of 17 to 2. While necessary because of the punitive revenue restrictions imposed by the State Legislature, I know my Council colleagues will agree this was a difficult decision," Rhodes-Conway said in a statement after the vote.

"While both alternatives are unappealing, what’s even less desirable than a referendum are the significant cuts to basic services our residents depend on and that underpin our city’s success that would be necessary without it. The approval of a referendum in November is the only budgetary path in 2025 that protects our values as a community, while we work to address the chronic underfunding of local governments at the state level. I’m glad the Council agreed that putting that issue to the voters is the right thing to do,” Rhodes-Conway said.

The vote to add the referendum passed with 17 alders voting in favor and only Alder Isadore Knox and Alder Barbara Harrington-McKinney voting against.

More at WKOW 27 News


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