Milwaukee South News

The Village Board has approved the 2024 budget after a public hearing held on November 21, 2023. This decision concludes a three-month process that involved guidance from the Village Board and collaboration among staff members and department heads. The budget aims to maintain high-quality municipal services without significant changes in staffing or service levels.

Key aspects of the adopted budget include an increase in the property tax levy by $109,966, which is a 1% rise compared to last year. The village tax rate is set at $6.54 per $1,000 of assessed value, marking a 2.6% increase. Consequently, homeowners with properties valued at $300,000 will see an increase of $49.50 in their tax bills.

General Fund revenues are projected to grow by $458,368 (3.7%) over 2023 figures. This includes a substantial rise in State Shared Revenue by $359,790 (148%), attributed to the Local Government Funding Bill (2023 Wisconsin Act 23). Additionally, interest earnings are expected to increase by $252,017 and state transportation aid by $96,367. EMS revenues are also anticipated to grow by $50,000.

On the expenditure side, General Fund expenses are budgeted for a rise of $502,290 (4%). This includes a general wage increase of 4%, aligned with union contracts and merit pay systems. Health insurance premiums will decrease by 0.8% due to transitioning to a high-deductible plan. There is also an allocation of $22,000 for Health Reimbursement Arrangements for non-represented employees.

Wisconsin Retirement System contributions will see minor increases: 1.1% for protective services personnel and 0.1% for general classification personnel. Risk insurance costs are set to decrease by -$46,075 (-11.1%) due primarily to reduced worker’s compensation mod ratings.

Other notable expense adjustments include election-related salaries increasing by $12,710 (101.4%) due to four scheduled elections next year compared to two this year; snow and ice removal costs rising by $15,511 (16.7%) driven mainly by higher salt prices; garbage disposal costs going up by $33,993 (15.5%); maintenance cost hikes for both Police ($6,000) and Fire Departments ($7,000); ambulance supply costs growing by $10,000 (37%).

In terms of infrastructure projects under Roads and Facilities Plan totaling approximately $4 million with WisDOT aid covering half these expenses - major undertakings involve various street improvements alongside LED street light conversions as well as fiber connections installation across several locations within town limits.

Facility improvements amounting around another quarter-million dollars focus largely upon necessary repairs/upgrades throughout key community structures such as village hall parks library health department restrooms etc., while equipment replacement initiatives funded through ARPA Aid & Kolisch donations aim towards acquiring essential vehicles apparatuses enhancing operational capabilities across multiple departments including police fire library services among others ensuring continued provision effective efficient public safety amenities overall quality life residents alike remain top priority forefront agenda moving forward into coming fiscal period ahead accordingly thereby reflecting broader strategic vision commitment ongoing development sustainability prosperity collective welfare entire populace long term basis ultimately