2026 adopted operating budget
Where Madison's
operating money goes.
This page focuses on the $452.7 million General and Library Fund budget—the primary tax-supported funds for day-to-day City services.
General & Library Funds$452.7M
+$20.2M from 2025 · 4.7% increase
Cash flow
How money moves through the operating budget
Select an agency to explore its adopted spending. Funding categories appear only where they reconcile to the City’s published schedules; otherwise the explorer keeps the verified total without guessing at a breakdown.
Property taxes$326.7M72.2% of revenue
Other revenue$126.0M27.8% of revenue
General & Library Funds$452.7M2026 adopted operating budget
Spending type
What the money buys
Personnel is the largest expense, covering salaries and benefits for employees who deliver and support City services.
Personnel$275.9M
60.95%Debt service$73.8M
16.30%Non-personnel$56.5M
12.48%Other / net transfers$28.9M
6.39%Interdepartmental charges$17.6M
3.88% Revenue
How it is funded
Property taxes provide most General and Library Fund revenue. Charges for services, user fees, state aid, and other sources provide the remainder.
Property taxes $326.7M · 72.2%Other revenue $126.0M · 27.8%
Budget basics
Operating and capital are different
Keeping services running
Funds recurring, day-to-day costs such as salaries, public programs, supplies, utilities, and service contracts.
Building for the long term
Funds major investments with long useful lives, including street reconstruction, new public buildings, substantial renovations, and large equipment purchases.
Explore the capital budget →