Budget crisis in sight: Where is the clarity in the expenses?
Budget crisis in sight: Where is the clarity in the expenses?
On February 13, 2025, the city of Wächtersbach's budget completed a deficit of almost 2.5 million euros. This represents a deterioration compared to the previous year and is the result of a financially tense situation, despite a forecast increase in income of 2.7 million euros. The additional income mainly comes from trade tax, which recorded an increase of 2.2 million euros, but the expenses have increased significantly in recent years.
Significant additional expenses have arisen primarily due to personnel costs (+1.2 million euros), liabilities (+869,000 euros) and property and services (+676,000 euros). A critical view of the budget situation thus shows that the increasing expenses significantly restrict the city's financial scope. The city's reserves, which are currently around 16.25 million euros, are supposed to compensate for the deficit, but these are largely bound to fixed assets and therefore cannot be liquidated at short notice.
budget planning and investment focus
The original planning of a budget equalization by 2027 is now to be assessed as unrealistic, since annual deficits of over two million euros are accepted by 2028. Critics criticize a lack of transparency regarding possible savings. There were no concrete measures for saving, which increases concern about the financial stability of the city.
Only 2 % of the total volume of 12.5 million euros are invested in traffic routes. Instead, 31 % of urban renovation in the castle environment and 12 % are on property and building purchases. In addition, essential funds are missing for the renovation of the Heinrich Heldmann Hall, which leads to a 25 %reduction for the sports and movement park. The announced increase in the district and school levy will also lead to additional financial burdens.
political reactions and outlook
The Free Guardians rejected the budget for 2025 in order to send a signal for necessary course corrections in financial policy. They are calling for more clarity about investment priorities and reporting on large investments. In addition, a lack of willingness to discard the budget and the lack of sensitivity to sustainable financial policy is criticized.
The overarching problem of a budget deficit, as well as DetailsQuellen