DuPage and Milwaukee counties present 2027 budget proposals

DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy has presented a $710.7 million balanced budget for Fiscal Year 2027. The proposal includes a $283.8 million General Fund and a $71.9 million property tax levy. While the levy captures new construction, the property tax rate is expected to remain flat at less than two percent. Key initiatives in the plan include $5 million for a first-time homebuyer program, $5 million for rental assistance, $4 million for stormwater infrastructure, and over $3 million for food insecurity initiatives.

In Milwaukee County, Executive David Crowley has proposed a 2027 budget designed to close a $50 million gap. The plan includes a reduction in the county portion of property taxes for a $250,000 home. Notably, the proposal seeks to end funding for Flock camera technology due to privacy concerns, redirecting those funds to the Eviction Free MKE program. Other allocations include $12.1 million to maintain transit services through 2027, $15.8 million for the Courthouse Complex, and $5 million for the rehabilitation of the Mitchell Park Domes.