EPISODE · Nov 24, 2025 · 26 MIN
Why the Dane County Executive Isn’t Excited about the 2026 Budget
from City Cast Madison · host City Cast
When new Dane County Executive Melissa Agard campaigned for office last year, she had big plans for how she’d lead the county. But after winning the election in 2024, Agard was faced with a new reality — Dane County is facing down the cliff of a $30 million budgetary deficit, and her big plans would have to take a backseat. It’s no secret that this was a tough budget season for the county, and at the end of the day, Agard is proud of the work that the county has accomplished. But this isn’t the budget she wanted. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Agard about what she’s learned from this process and digs into why no one talked about this massive deficit until now. For more on the county budget process, listen to our conversation with Dane County Supervisor Yogesh Chawla. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 24th episode: Henry Vilas Zoo Lake City Books Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
What this episode covers
When new Dane County Executive Melissa Agard campaigned for office last year, she had big plans for how she’d lead the county. But after winning the election in 2024, Agard was faced with a new reality — Dane County is facing down the cliff of a $30 million budgetary deficit, and her big plans would have to take a backseat. It’s no secret that this was a tough budget season for the county, and at the end of the day, Agard is proud of the work that the county has accomplished. But this isn’t the budget she wanted. Today, executive producer Hayley Sperling talks with Agard about what she’s learned from this process and digs into why no one talked about this massive deficit until now. For more on the county budget process, listen to our conversation with Dane County Supervisor Yogesh Chawla. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram! 📧 You can get more Madison news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter. 🏠 Get more from City Cast Madison when you become a City Cast Madison Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events, and more. Join the City Cast Madison Neighbors program! Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 24th episode: Henry Vilas Zoo Lake City Books Cardinal Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
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Why the Dane County Executive Isn’t Excited about the 2026 Budget
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