Madison’s 2016 Budget Delays Plans For Year-Round Market

There’s been talk about opening up a year-round public market in Madison for more than a decade, but according to the city’s mayor, that project won’t be realized for some time.

Construction was expected to begin on the long-anticipated project in the next few years, but Mayor Paul Soglin released a 2016 budget Tuesday that would push the opening back to 2021.

Soglin said until the city reduces its debt, the market will have to be put on the back burner.

“The situation is more serious than ever,” Soglin said. “Somebody has to be responsible around here.”

The 2016 budget is focused on completing existing projects, such as repairs to roads and parks. It’s also aimed at reining in the amount of money the city owes creditors. There’s roughly $14 million less borrowing than in last year’s budget.

Soglin said ignoring the debt and adding expenditures would be like walking out on a frozen lake.

“As you go further and further from shore, it’s getting thinner and thinner and eventually you’re going to fall in,” he said.

City Council members are expected to vote on the budget in November.