MADISON, Wis. -- Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk signed the 2004 county budget Monday without any vetoes.

The county board approved the $399 million budget last week.

The tax rate comes down a dime to $2.89 per thousand of assessed value. Taxes on an average Madison home, valued at $189,000, will go up $25.70.

The budget includes an operating budget of $381 million and a capital budget of $18 million.

"I appreciate the County Board Chair's and the Board's cooperation in working on a difficult budget, and their swift approval of it," Falk said. "By working together we preserved our citizens' priorities for human services and public safety. We cut government and are making government more efficient, saving taxpayer dollars."

The budget eliminates 40 positions, savings more than $2 million. County officials said there will be no new hiring in 2004, except for public safety.

Falk is choosing to stay under a self-imposed salary freeze.

More Info From Exec's Office