Abele budget would erase shortfall, draws fire from sheriff

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele says his proposed 2012 budget would erase a $55 million projected shortfall without raising property taxes.
“We’ve been able to find savings and efficiencies that will allow us to continue to provide needed services to Milwaukee County residents," Abele said in unveiling his first budget.
Abele said his budget maintains the 2011 property tax level of nearly $270 million while dropping spending by 5.6 percent to $1.22 billion.
He said redesigned employee health care contributions would save the county $20 million, with another $5.5 million saved through increased pension contributions. He said other cuts to the county sheriff’s department would "result in more focus on core and mandated responsibilities."
County Sheriff David Clarke ripped Abele’s "disdain for law and order" and said the county exec doesn’t have the authority to give "orders or directives" to the sheriff’s office.
"He talked about shared goals? I don’t share his goal to be soft on crime, coddle criminal inmates and excuse criminal behavior," Clarke said.
– WisPolitics.com