The 2026 Dane County Budget has been adopted. For details on the 2026 adopted budget and previous county budgets, visit: https://admin.danecounty.gov/budget
This page will be updated with the 2027 budget review schedule and key dates as they are finalized.
Dane County has an annual, calendar year budget. In the fall, the county adopts the budget for the next calendar year. The budget is divided between the operating budget and the capital budget. The operating budget funds day-to-day expenses like staff, contractual costs, and ongoing activities in departments. The capital budget funds long-term projects like building and maintaining county roads, parks, and other facilities.
The video below provides an overview of the process, describes the difference between the operating and capital budgets, and outlines the general budget timeline.
1. Attend a committee meeting. Meetings dates and locations are listed below. All committee hearings will be available virtually. For the most up-to-date meeting information and to connect virtually, click here. You can also sign up to receive agendas automatically as they are posted. Instructions for signing up are available in this video here. .
2. Attend one of the County Board Budget Hearings. Meetings dates and locations are listed below. All budget hearings will be available virtually. For the most up-to-date meeting information and to connect virtually, click here.
3. Contact your County Board Supervisor. Not sure who represents you? Use this tool to find your supervisor and get in touch directly.
4. Email all County Board Supervisors. You can send a message to the full County Board by emailing: County_Board_Recipients@danecounty.gov
