(The Center Square) – Madison’s mayor is raising taxes in her new proposed spending plan.

Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway on Tuesday unveiled her 2027 budget proposal. Rhodes-Conway wants to spend just over $477 million on Madison’s needs next year, up about 5.5% from the current city budget.

"We are doing all we can to keep city services affordable,” the mayor told reporters. “Toward that end, the 2027 Executive Operating Budget keeps the increase in taxes on an average home to less than the rate of inflation, or about $7 per month. My proposed budget uses over $6 million of fund balance to help maintain services at current levels and hold down the increase in property taxes.”

Rhodes-Conway’s budget is based on a 3.44% increase in property tax levies, though some of that increase is a reflection of rising property values and not just higher taxes.

Conway also talked about taxes on Tuesday, criticizing Republican lawmakers for not allowing cities like Madison to raise more taxes on their own.

Madison has been asking for the power to charge its own sales tax for years. Rhodes-Conway is frustrated that state lawmakers have not yet given her that power.

"Mayors and councils from around the state are united in asking for responsible reforms at the state level, so that we can continue to plow the streets, to pick up trash, pick up our recycling, to provide emergency services, and to respond to emerging needs in our community," Rhodes-Conway said.

As for spending, Madison’s new budget includes a 3% pay raise for all city employees, new positions in the public health violence prevention unit, and continued funding for Madison's scandal-plagued independent police monitor's office.

The mayor also wants to include $350,000 in her budget for body cameras for Madison police officers. She has refused to fund that program in the past.

The budget proposal now heads to Madison’s City Council for a review and possible changes. Those hearings are scheduled for November.

The new budget needs to be finalized by the end of the year so it can got into effect in the new year.