😠 What are Madison’s toxic traits?

🎒 School Tax Hike Won’t Be As Large As Expected

• The average homeowner can expect to see an increase of $833 in their property taxes from the Madison Metropolitan School District next year. That’s less than district officials were predicting last fall when they successfully asked voters to pass two referenda totaling $607 million dollars.
• At the time, officials thought this year’s tax hike would be over $1,000 for the average homeowner. The Madison School Board will vote in June on the proposed budget, which will increase spending to nearly $661.7 million — about $42.9 million more than this year.
• 🎧 Dig deeper: Madison Superintendent Joe Gothard talked about the district’s financial situation last year and what the district plans to do with the referenda money. [Cap Times, 🎧 City Cast Madison]

🏥 Anthem Patients Will Still Get to Use UW Health

• UW Health and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have agreed to a new multiyear contract, meaning Anthem members won’t have to stop getting health care at UW Health locations.
• A four-year agreement between the two was set to end in April, but was extended until July 1 to allow more time for negotiation. In February, UW Health said it would stop accepting Anthem patients, saying the insurance company had proposed a pay rate increase well below the rate of inflation. Anthem countered that UW Health was seeking a rate increase that was four times the rate of inflation.
• The new deal will affect all Anthem customers with employer-based, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act Marketplace Plans. [🔒 WSJ]

🔬 UW Science Hall To Get $81 Million in Renovations

• Science Hall, one of the most iconic buildings on the UW-Madison campus (it’s one of our favorites!), is in line for a makeover. The university is planning $81 million in renovations, including interior improvements, construction of a rear atrium for a study space, and outstanding “safety, accessibility and deferred maintenance issues” to the 148-year-old building.
• Reaction was mixed at a recent public comment session, with some saying the proposed sleek glass atrium in the back didn’t mesh well with the “castle” vibe of the building’s facade. “Yay study spaces, but fugly style,” said one commenter. “Glass on bricks, really?”
• The improvements will be funded entirely through grants and gifts, university officials said. [Isthmus, Madison Minutes]

Look, we all love Madison. But there are certain things about the city and its residents that fall into the category of “toxic traits.” It could be something major like the housing crisis. It could be something little like the tile floors at Woodmans. But these things just get under our skin.

On the City Cast Madison podcast today, the gang shares some of Madison’s most toxic traits. Honestly, it was pretty cathartic.

We also put out the call to readers about their favorite toxic traits. And boy, you delivered. Here’s a sample of what bugs us all about Madison:

🗯️ Christy S. said it bugs her and her partner how Madison drivers don’t properly yield to emergency vehicles. “We see people trying to split the road, going into the left turn lane. Y’all, we need to go to the right. You see an emergency vehicle, we go to the right.”

😡 John H. wanted to call out Madison, and Wisconsin in general, for its toxic relationship with alcohol. “The rates of alcoholism and binge drinking here are enormously high and represent a genuine public health crisis.”

😠 Barbara W. wonders why more doors don’t have automatic door buttons. “I’ve now been forced to use a walker and I’m realizing how many places in Madison do not have the automatic door button. [...] I’m really feeling in concert with all those other unusually abled people who don’t have two hands, or need someone to open the door for them. That’s my gripe for today.”

Meet Marina! This 3-year-old can be shy in new environments, but with a little patience, she’ll show her sweet, friendly, and playful personality. She knows sit, down, stay and come, and enjoys receiving pets and giving kisses. Marina is not a fan of kitchens. She has lived with other animals and may do well in a home with respectful furry companions, and has lived with children and been affectionate.