In the heart of Waunakee, the Village Board gathered under the warm glow of city hall lights, ready to tackle pressing matters that shape the community's future. Among the key discussions was the unveiling of the 2025 digital budget book, a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accessibility for residents.

Finance Director Renee introduced the new budget tool, developed using the ClearGov platform, which aims to provide taxpayers with a clearer understanding of the village's financial landscape. "We’ve made a big push to utilize it fully," she explained, highlighting the collaborative effort that went into creating a user-friendly online resource. The budget book is set to launch next week, promising to be a comprehensive guide that residents can easily navigate.

The digital budget book features an interactive table of contents, allowing users to jump to various sections or scroll through detailed information about the budgeting process, policies, and historical data. It includes visual elements like graphs and charts, making complex financial data more digestible for the community. Each department, from community development to the police, is represented with statistics and engaging visuals, showcasing their contributions and activities.

Board member Todd commended the finance team for their hard work, emphasizing that this tool not only serves the public but also aids board members in making informed decisions during meetings. "This is a tool for you as decision makers that you can use on the fly," he noted, reflecting on the challenges of navigating traditional budget documents.

As the meeting wrapped up, the board expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming launch, recognizing the importance of this initiative in fostering a more informed and engaged community. The digital budget book represents a commitment to transparency and accessibility, paving the way for a more connected relationship between the village and its residents. With the launch just around the corner, Waunakee is poised to set a new standard in local government communication.