On Thursday, October 25, 2018, during the Finance Committee meeting of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, the Save Our Domes Coalition read the following statements on two proposed amendments.

The below statement was in response to Amend Org. Unit No. 9,000—Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture and Org. Unit No. 1,900—Cultural Contributions-Milwaukee Public Museum. This amendment passed and will now be considered by the full Board of Supervisors:

We are appreciative of the Milwaukee County Supervisors’ continued focus on the future of the Mitchell Park Domes, a beloved local landmark and nationally significant historic place. As this process moves forward, we would encourage this committee to work as closely as possible with the Domes Task Force, as well as seeking input and engagement from the community.

As this amendment is discussed, we want to remind supervisors that time and time again, whether at public meetings or through online surveys, the public has voiced their support for protecting the Domes from disinvestment, destruction, and demolition.

We are confident that as this conversation progresses, rehabilitation will be shown as the most cost-effective and positive outcome for the Mitchell Park Domes. Save Our Domes is eager to be a resource throughout this process, and we look forward to working together to build a successful and vibrant future for this iconic landmark.

The below statement was in response to Amend Org. Unit No. 3,270—Office of the County Clerk and Election Commission and Org. Unit No. 9,000—Department of Parks, Recreation, and Culture. After discussion by the committee, the amendment was withdrawn before a vote was taken.

Today, Save Our Domes spoke to the Finance Committee in opposition to the budget amendment proposing a county-wide advisory referendum related to the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory concurrent with the spring election. A public referendum before the Domes Task Force can refine projected costs, potential public-private funding sources, and explore new governance models, would be extremely premature. In addition, the potential to investigate co-location of the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Domes has only just been proposed and should be a factor in these discussions.