Highlights
The mayor and Alder Guequierre propose forgiving $1.6 million in debt plu accrued interest, and authorizing the fee simple sale of the city’s ice arenas for $1 each.
There is evidence over 90% of users are white, and many are affluent and live outside Madison.
Madison Ice, Inc. reported surpluses while claiming financial hardship.
The council and public were kept in the dark by the mayor for four years about the default and negotiations.
Alternatives, like user fees or new, modern and regional facilities, haven’t been explored.

Tomorrow, the Madison Common Council will consider the Mayor’s proposal to forgive $1.6 million in debt—plus accrued interest—owed by Madison Ice, Inc. and authorize the fee simple sale of Madison Ice Arena and Hartmeyer Ice Arena for $1 each.
This proposal is a stunning financial giveaway that raises serious questions about transparency, equity, and fiscal responsibility. Here’s what you need to know and how you can act to ensure our city’s resources are managed responsibly.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about skating rinks. It’s about fairness, accountability, and the public’s right to know. Madison Ice, Inc. has defaulted on its obligations, yet the city proposes to reward this failure with a sweetheart deal that costs taxpayers millions. The public and council deserve answers to key questions before any decision is made.
To that end, I sent a memo to the city’s Economic Development Director, Matthew Mikolajewski, outlining critical questions about this proposal. These questions span equity impacts, financial mismanagement, compliance with city policies, and potential alternatives. Copies of this memo were also sent to all members of the Common Council to help educate them about the important questions they should be asking and be able to answer for their constituents.
Key Issues Raised in the Memo
Compliance With Madison’s Racial Equity and Social Justice Initiative (RESJI). Over 90% of arena users appear to be white, and many are affluent and live outside Madison. How does this proposal align with the city’s commitment to racial equity? Has a racial equity analysis been conducted? If not, why?
Financial Mismanagement by Madison Ice, Inc. Madison Ice, Inc. reported consistent surpluses in federal tax returns, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. So why does the city claim they can’t pay their debts? And why hasn’t the city pursued other options like collecting letters of credit or appointing a receiver?
Transparency and Accountability. Why were the council and public kept in the dark by the mayor about Madison Ice, Inc.’s default for four years? Why hasn’t the city made Madison Ice, Inc.’s financial records public? And what precedent does this set for future city agreements?
Lack of Due Diligence
Has the city compared the costs of maintaining these outdated arenas to building modern facilities? What alternatives, like user fees or regional solutions, have been explored? None of this analysis has been presented to the public.
What You Can Do
The council meeting tomorrow is your chance to make your voice heard. Here’s how:
Write Your Alder – Demand that they defer this resolution until all questions have been answered and alternatives explored. Contact information for all alders is available here.
Register and Speak – Public testimony is the most effective way to influence council decisions. Register here to speak or to simply register your opposition.
Spread the Word – Share this blog post with friends, neighbors, and community groups. Let’s ensure everyone knows what’s at stake.
Conclusion
The council should not rush this decision. Instead, they must defer the resolution to fully consider alternative solutions that prioritize equity, fiscal responsibility, and transparency. Being kept in the dark and fed misinformation for years, with no genuine engagement to solve Madison Ice, Inc.'s default, undermines trust and accountability. The mayor’s decision to orchestrate this deal and direct staff to work exclusively with Madison Ice, Inc. was done without any public knowledge, further eroding confidence in the process. The proposed solution—approve the bailout or the arenas will close—is a false choice that ignores viable alternatives. The public deserves better than this rushed and poorly conceived plan.
For more details, you can read the full memo here. And if you’re new to this issue, check out these previous blog posts and the land contracts for additional context:
Together, we can ensure that Madison’s resources are managed in the public’s best interest. Skaters deserve modern, high-quality facilities, and our community deserves fiscal responsibility. With a more robust and transparent process, we can achieve both.
If you enjoy this content, please like and share. For questions and media inquiries, email asaloutos@tds.net or call (608) 345-9009.
© Alex Saloutos 2025.
Thanks for your excellent work informing taxpayers and trying to hold the Mayor accountable for inexplicable decisions like this one. There has to be more to the story.