Residents of Waukesha County might feel their wallets a little lighter next year, thanks to a proposed tax rate cut outlined in County Executive Paul Farrow's 2025 Executive Budget. Presented to the Board of Supervisors last Tuesday, the budget would lower the county tax rate to $1.35 per thousand dollars of home value — a 3% decrease from the prior year and, as reported by Waukesha County, it's the lowest in over 30 years.
The $400 million budget, unveiled on Tuesday, demonstrates a commitment to fiscal conservatism while prioritizing community safety. Farrow, who has been gradually reducing the tax rate during his tenure, stated, "This budget is both balanced and firmly aligns with our longstanding principles of fiscal conservatism," according to a report by Waukesha County. Although the 2025 budget reflects a decrease of $2.9 million from last year, justice and public safety remain Waukesha County's top funding priorities, with a significant portion allocated to law enforcement. The proposed 2025 budget includes a new County tax levy of $3.5 million to support the Sheriff’s Department, along with an additional $2.1 million in Shared Revenue, aimed at easing jail overcrowding and covering rising medical service costs for inmates.
On the infrastructure front, Farrow’s budget plans for a lean $43.7 million in capital projects, marking a $9.2 million dip from last year's sum. The most significant single project in the capital budget involves a $5 million allocation for the rehabilitation of a busy section of CTH O (Moorland Road). Moreover, the budget earmarks $1.5 million to replace a salt dome that collapsed earlier this year and seats $20.4 million for a Courthouse Project that should bolster both security and functionality.
The introduced budget also lightly touches the county's health and human services, investing $97,000 in programs ranging from mental health to combating opioid abuse. "Our residents expect a safe community with low crime rates and high-quality services," Farrow told Waukesha County. Alongside these services, the Medical Examiner’s Office will receive a modest increase of $65,000 to continue its operations amidst rising costs.
Still subject to approval, which is expected to come in November, the 2025 Executive Budget reflects the county's long-term approach of tightened purse strings and a focus on building a safer community. County Executive Paul Farrow summed up the budget as a product of "hard work and dedication" from his team, which is outlined in detail and accessible for public scrutiny at Waukesha County's official website.
