Dimitrijevic said the reform plan is the result of months public input, and will be voted on at the board’s April 25th. “The message has been clear from our residents, we want local reform, we want change to happen locally,” Dimitrijevic said.
The plan, announced at a news conference Thursday, includes a $2.7 million dollar cut to the Board’s $6.6 million dollar budget, as well as reductions in supervisors salaries. “This is action. This is real, its bold, it’s big. And I haven’t seen a lot of elected officials out there who have made significant reductions to their salaries, their pensions, their terms,” she said.
AUDIO: Dimitrijevic interview (5:45)
The state legislature is ready to move on a reform measure from Representative Joe Sanfelippo. “What happens if they pass it? I think I’ve already stated that I oppose the bill, and I don’t think it’s good for Milwaukee County, so I hope that doesn’t happen,” said Dimitrijevic.
Crucially, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said he still prefers the state legislation, and Abele would have to approve any reform plan passed by the board.