(JUNEAU) The Dodge County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and discussion Thursday night on the proposed $183.7 million 2026 budget. The plan maintains county services while slightly increasing the property tax levy and adjusting for rising costs in health insurance and infrastructure.
The proposal includes a countywide tax levy of $37,139,222, an increase of 1.7 percent, or about $626,500 more than last year. The proposed mill rate would fall slightly to $3.3395 per $1,000 of equalized value, down from $3.5008 in 2025. That means the owner of a $300,000 home would pay about $1,001.84 in county property taxes, compared to $1,050.24 this year and $1,131.80 in 2024.
In his budget message, County Administrator Cameron Clapper described the proposal as a balanced plan that preserves services without borrowing for operations or relying heavily on reserves. “This proposed budget represents an investment in our shared vision to become the standard of excellence for all counties in the State of Wisconsin,” Clapper said.
No new borrowing is planned to support operations, but the County Board will consider later this year whether major infrastructure projects — such as roadway, building, or communications system upgrades — should be financed through debt in 2026. The budget also continues Dodge County’s investments in long-term capital priorities. Clearview, the county’s health and rehabilitation campus, is moving forward with a $7.1 million behavioral health expansion paid entirely through its own revenue, with no property tax dollars involved.
The Highway Department requested to resurface or reconstruct about 27 miles of county roads next year. However, only 8.1 miles have been allocated in the 2026 Budget. The department’s annual goal is to address 22 miles in order to maintain the integrity of the 540-mile highway network. In addition, the county’s Community Development Fund will continue to use sales tax proceeds to support housing, recreation, and economic development projects in several Dodge County communities.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. on the fourth floor of 127 East Oak Street in Juneau. The County Board of Supervisors is expected to take final action on the budget during its Nov. 12 meeting.
