Madison’s middle class is being squeezed harder than ever — while city leaders congratulate themselves for having “the lowest tax rate in 40 years.”

Paul Soglin, a lifelong Democrat and former Madison mayor, didn’t mince words. In a recent Facebook post, he called that claim “Bad Joke of the Year.” And when you look at the details, it’s easy to see why.

The Rate May Be Low — But the Bill Isn’t
City leaders point to a lower rate, but Soglin lays out why the reality tells a different story:
• Property taxes on most homes are six to seven times higher than 40 years ago
• Garbage collection now requires a “resource recovery fee”
• Vehicle owners pay a $40 wheel tax
• Stormwater services became a separate utility fee
• Yard waste and brush pickup happens half as often as in 2019
• Snow removal is less robust, with fewer vehicles per mile
• And perhaps most telling: “No one answers the phones.”

In other words: Essential services were moved off the property tax ledger — and then the city bragged about lowering the rate.

It’s like charging more for less and calling it a discount.

The Real Issue: Leadership That’s Out of Touch.
This isn’t just about math. It’s about honesty, transparency, and respect for the people footing the bill. Middle-class families — teachers, nurses, tradespeople, small business owners — are being asked to pay more while receiving less. Instead of acknowledging the strain, city leaders are busy crafting clever lines for tax bills and press releases.

Residents see rising costs. Shrinking services. More fees. Less responsiveness. But leadership keeps insisting everything is fine. It’s not just frustrating.

It’s insulting.

A Pattern That Goes Beyond Taxes
The spin around the “lowest tax rate” isn’t an isolated incident. It fits a broader pattern:
• Housing costs rising faster than wages
• Fees layered onto basic services
• Public safety concerns growing
• Middle-class families priced out of the city they helped build

In another Facebook post, Soglin warned: “No middle class, no city.”

And right now, Madison is testing that theory.

Why Dane County Voters Should Care
This kind of messaging erodes trust. It tells residents that their lived experience — higher bills, fewer services, unanswered calls — doesn’t matter. It signals that leadership is more focused on optics than outcomes.

And it’s not just Madison.

Dane County’s broader leadership has embraced the same pattern: shifting costs, dodging accountability, and congratulating themselves while families struggle.

What Voters Can Do
In 2026, Dane County voters will have the chance to choose new leadership — across local boards, the Supreme Court, the legislature, and the governor’s office.

If you believe public services should match what you pay…

If you believe the middle class deserves respect…

If you believe transparency matters more than spin…

If you believe leadership should tell the truth — and answer the phone…

Then it’s time to vote for change. Vote for fairness. Vote for leadership that puts people before slogans.