2027 Proposed County Budget Introduced

On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, Interim Waukesha County Executive Tom Farley presented the proposed $402 million 2027 County Executive Budget to the County Board of Supervisors. The budget reflects rising operating costs to maintain the day-to-day services residents depend on, including public safety, courts, health and human services, and county operations. At the same time, the county’s reducing its Capital Budget by $6.5 million as the courthouse renovation project concludes and the County’s lowering its planned borrowing by $5.2 million from the prior year. This approach allows Waukesha County to meet current service needs while continuing to manage long-term debt responsibly and within established affordability guidelines.

“This budget reflects Waukesha County’s commitment to delivering the services residents depend on while continuing to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. By strengthening cost recovery, reprioritizing resources, and maintaining disciplined financial practices, we can reduce the county tax rate, protect public safety, and invest in the infrastructure that keeps our community strong,” Interim County Executive Tom Farley said.

Continuing a decade-long tradition, the county tax rate will drop by nearly 4.5% from $1.27 to $1.21 per $1,000 of property value. The rate reduction reflects a growing county tax base, conservative budgeting, and a focus on aligning resources with essential services. The county’s commitment to heavily investing in public safety also includes a $422,000 body-camera program for Sheriff’s patrol staff. Overall, the Justice and Public Safety program areas remain top priority, receiving over $3.0 million in additional tax levy to maintain support for emergency dispatch, courts, District Attorney’s office, while continuing other services that keep county residents safe, such as behavioral-health crisis services and the infrastructure residents and local businesses rely on every day.

The proposed $39.5 million Capital Budget invests in county highways, such as 1.5 miles of CTH O (Moorland Rd) and $2.6 million for the design stage of the first phase of a major project
to improve and widen CTH K (Lisbon Road), as well as improvements to key facilities, parks, emergency communications, and public-safety systems. Capital priorities also include facility repairs, dispatch-phone replacement, and a phased upgrade to the countywide digital radio system used by law enforcement, fire, and EMS. 
“From safe roads to reliable facilities to the communication systems first responders use every day, our Capital Plan focuses on the practical investments our residents expect and count on. By planning and managing debt responsibly, we can maintain these critical assets without placing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers,” Farley added

Fiscal Stewardship:
The county values strategic, long-range capital planning, budgeting and debt management policies and practices. The County budgeted $21.5 million for debt service in 2027, keeping borrowing costs well below its 10% affordability benchmark. At approximately 6% to 7% of operating expenses, this level allows the County to maintain roads, facilities, and other infrastructure while preserving funding for the direct services residents rely on today and in the future. Personnel costs are also carefully managed, with targeted staffing changes to address important services, such as adding an additional position in the Veterans' Services Office to help ensure that veterans and family members receive the help they deserve in navigating their benefit options.

The 2027 Executive Budget will be reviewed by the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors, with final adoption expected in November.