Madison – Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said today that he plans to sign the 2007 operating and capital budgets. Cieslewicz said both budgets are fiscally responsible proposals that invest in public safety, economic development and basic services, while holding the tax increase on the average home to about the rate of inflation.

The 2007 operating budget to be signed by the mayor will total $211 million. Taxes on the average home will increase by $62, or 3.75%, compared to an inflation rate of 3.7%.

The 2007 capital budget totals $168.8 million. This includes $82.7 million in General Obligation (property tax levy-supported) borrowing, of which $23.6 million is re-authorized from 2006.

“This is a balanced budget that meets the needs of our community at a price taxpayers can afford,” Cieslewicz said. “It makes important investments in police and fire protection, economic development and job creation, community service programs such as childcare assistance, and basic city services like street maintenance. All of this is accomplished with a tax increase on the average home that is in line with the rate of inflation.”

Highlights of the 2007 capital and operating budgets include:

· Ten new police officers and seven new detectives.

· Planning resources for a new west side fire station in 2007, with construction in 2008.

· More resources for park maintenance.

· A new automated trash pickup service beginning in September to mirror the highly successful automated recycling service.

· New resources for after-school programs, neighborhood centers and job mentoring plus a nearly 50% in child care assistance for low-income families.

· A series of economic development initiatives that have the support of both the business community and Council progressives.

“This was another challenging budget year, but by setting priorities and saving money through innovation, we have achieved a final product that reflects the values of our community,” said Cieslewicz. “This has consistently been my approach to all four of my budgets, and it has helped our economy remain, as Moody’s bond rating agency wrote earlier this fall, ‘one of the strongest in the nation.’”

The gun deer season opens on Saturday morning.