Milwaukee 2023 budget; mayor partially vetoes $1.9B spending plan

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson used his veto pen for the first time on Friday, Nov. 11, partially vetoing parts of the city’s 2023 budget. City leaders wanted to use $4 million in federal funding to avoid cuts to the fire department and library. But Johnson said doing that would have presented challenges over the next several years. 

"Hoping for the best but preparing for the worst. That’s what my veto represents," Johnson said. 

It might be tough news for some, but Mayor Johnson said it is the right call.

"I inherited, unfortunately, a time where we’re so close to that fiscal cliff becoming a reality, and we’ve got to prepare our city government, city enterprise for that shock to the system," Johnson said. 

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson

Johnson announced on Friday a partial veto to the city's $1.7 billion budget. That means for now, cuts to the Milwaukee Public Library and Milwaukee Fire Department would stay. 

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"We’ve reviewed his actions, we need time to process it, and we’ll work together for the best choice," said Milwaukee Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic. 

Dimitrijevic is the chair of the Finance and Personnel Committee. Last month, she announced an amendment that would avoid cuts to the library and fire department – by using $4 million of American Rescue Act Funds. 

"We had a long public process increased public input. We made a decision we thought met the needs of our residents," Dimitrijevic said. 

Milwaukee Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic

The mayor and Common Council leaders are now looking for a middle ground as challenges lie ahead. 

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"I’m looking for an opportunity to compromise with members to make sure that services are still there," Johnson said. 

Milwaukee City Hall

As part of that compromise, the mayor said he would partially restore funding to the library and fire department. 

The Common Council will decide to override or keep the vetoes at its next meeting on Nov. 22.