While the concerns raised here are focused on 2025 and beyond, there will be a more immediate hit. When tax bills go out in December, no one will be spared, not homeowners who directly pay property taxes, or renters, who will experience significant rent increases to cover their landlords’ taxes.
Over the decades Madison, unlike many other cities, was fortunate to be able to spend more money on “good works” — community services — than law enforcement. In hard times we were able to maintain staff and services while other cities were forced to lay off workers and make deep budget cuts that hurt everyone. This was possible because we balanced the ability of renters and homeowners to pay for public services with the needs of the community. A city cannot do “good works” if it is financially challenged and if property taxes make housing unaffordable for homeowners and renters alike. Sadly we are already there.