MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Dane County Executive Melissa Agard signed the 2026 County Budget Wednesday, while expressing concerns over fiscal decisions that could compromise the county’s long-term financial stability.

Agard said she remains worried about several decisions made by the County Board and highlighted the need for greater fiscal discipline in the years ahead.

“I am grateful for the hard work of county staff and supervisors throughout this process, but we must be honest with ourselves about the fiscal realities we face,” Agard said. “Dane County cannot afford to ignore the structural deficit.”

The 2026 budget totals more than $916 million, including $825.6 million in operating funds and $90.5 million in capital investments. It sets a property tax rate of $2.48 per $1,000 of equali

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