By Tim Hundt
Dec. 11, 2025
State share of costs for services at government buildings will rise to 44% in 2026, easing pressure on local budgets
MADISON, Wis. — According to a press release from Gov. Tony Evers office, Wisconsin municipalities will see a boost in state reimbursements for services provided to state-owned buildings in 2026, marking the first increase in more than two decades. Gov. Tony Evers and Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld announced Thursday that payments under the Municipal Services Payment Program will rise from covering 37.6% of costs in 2025 to 44% in 2026. The program helps offset expenses for fire, safety and waste services at state facilities, including University of Wisconsin campuses.
Evers said the increase reflects his commitment to supporting local communities that have “been forced to do more with less for far too long.” “The state must be a partner in—not an obstacle to—our local communities’ success,” Evers said in a statement. “These increased payments will go a long way in helping our municipalities provide essential services and continue to do their good work to keep our kids, families, and communities safe, healthy, and well.”
The adjustment follows a $14 million investment in the 2025-27 state budget, which Evers said will help communities maintain essential services amid rising costs. Without the change, the state’s share would have dropped to 32%. While less than the governor’s original proposal to cover more than 70% of costs, officials say the increase will ease pressure on local budgets and taxpayers who have long shouldered the gap.
Republican leaders on the Joint Finance Committee opposed Evers’ plan to nearly double funding, citing fiscal concerns, but some GOP lawmakers pushed for even higher reimbursements than what was approved. They argued the state should meet its statutory obligations and fully cover costs for services to state-owned buildings, saying failure to do so unfairly burdens municipalities and property taxpayers.
“Ensuring this modest increase will help communities as they face increased costs, and as our partners in providing high-quality services to Wisconsin residents,” Blumenfeld said.
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