MADISON (WKOW) -- Dane County Executive Melissa Agard has signed the 2026 county budget, but she expressed concern about the county's long-term financial stability, citing rising costs and fewer financial tools.

“We cannot continue to kick the can down the road. It is hard to say no; it is hard to tighten our belts, but that is why we are elected,” Agard said.

Agard said the county board's amendments have increased the long-term deficit, creating financial gaps that will need to be addressed in 2027.

“Supervisors noted that the structural deficit facing Dane County is a multi-year problem that cannot be addressed in a single budget, which makes it even harder to understand why the County Board passed a budget that digs the hole for next year even deeper,” she said.

However, Board Chair

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