Sun Prairie administrator outlines proposed 2027 budget cuts

In a City Administrator's Corner commentary, Sun Prairie's administrator describes the city's proposed 2027 budget as an unusually difficult one following the defeat of a spring referendum.

Mayor Stocker presented the proposal to the City Council on Oct. 6. The administrator says this is the first budget in 14 years with the city that requires cuts to remain within state levy limits.

Proposed changes The plan includes eliminating four positions, part-time health insurance benefits, the Neighborhood Navigators Program and Madym internships. It also proposes reductions to the Housing Fund and other city spending. The council must approve the final package or identify equivalent savings elsewhere.

Despite the constraints, the draft prioritizes two additional police officers and one firefighter. The administrator says those positions address some public-safety staffing needs, although the failed referendum prevents the city from making its full planned investment.

Council budget workshops were scheduled throughout October, with residents able to attend and offer input before final decisions.