Gütersloh says goodbye to the household 2025: savings course and investments!

Gütersloh says goodbye to the household 2025: savings course and investments!

On March 28, 2025, the Gütersloher City Council adopted the budget for 2025 in a crucial meeting. With a total volume of 415 million euros and a deficit of 20 million euros, the budget is not only a financial document, but also an expression of political unity among the council groups. The approval came from the CDU, the Greens, the SPD and the citizens for Gütersloh (BfGT), while the FDP, the AfD and two council members signaled their rejection. The need to continue a savings course was emphasized due to the increasing deficit and the dwindling financial reserves, which requires the reserves to maintain the financial stability of the city, such as gütersloh.de reported.

For 2025, investments of 112 million euros are planned. These funds are to be used, among other things, for the expansion and equipment of urban schools as well as for civil engineering measures. Particular attention is paid to the support of the Evangelical Abbey High School (ESG) and the renovation of streets and channels. It was also decided to reduce the waste fees, while the property tax reform is implemented in a new way. A moderate increase in the lifting rates for trade tax is also implemented.

Financial framework conditions

The income from the budget amounts to around 395 million euros, which makes the shortfall of around 20 million euros covered with the compensation reserve. Despite the decided budget, there was no mandatory savings plan. The city council continues to see the need for consolidation in order to counteract the "debt spiral" that could result from the continuing deficits.

The lifting rates for the tax types were also adjusted: property tax A is now 364 %, while property tax B is 703 %. For trade tax there is an increase from 416 % to 463 %. These adjustments are part of the financial strategy and a necessary step to stabilize the budget.

new administrative tip

With the choice of Heinz-Dieter Wette as the new treasurer of the city of Gütersloh, the administration receives fresh wind. Bet, which will also act as a deputy, had already formulated the goal of avoiding a budget protection. He succeeds Thomas Könnecker, who left the city administration to take over a new position in the Osnabrück district. Bet was chosen for an term of eight years.

The decisions made during the council meeting are of great importance for the future of the city of Gütersloh. Overall, the 2025 budget is considered a step in the right direction, even if the challenges remain. In the digital era there is detailed information and fee overviews on the website Hausalt.guetersloh.de .