Financial crisis in Delmenhorst: 42.8 million euros deficit threatens!

Financial crisis in Delmenhorst: 42.8 million euros deficit threatens!

The Delmenhorster city council is about to deal intensively with the urban budget for 2025. The city administration has already submitted the draft that predicts an alarming deficit of 42.8 million euros for the coming year. A household security concept will inevitably be necessary, even if those responsible emphasize that investments should continue to be made in future -oriented projects.

The financial challenges for Delmenhorst have grown noticeably. While budget surpluses have often been achieved in recent years, a U -turn is expected in 2025, which should also last in the following years. The reasons for this development are diverse and range from additional editions in all specialist areas to increasing costs in the social sector and youth welfare. "System sprinkler" - a term that describes problems of children and adolescents who do not fit into the regular system - also contribute to this increase.

investments despite deficit

First city councilor Markus Pragal emphasized that Delmenhorst does not want to do without investments despite the tense financial situation. These are crucial for the quality of the location. In particular in education, sports and early childhood care, these investments are viewed as relevant location factors. Impressive investments are planned for 2025: 23.44 million euros for school and sport, 5.72 million euros for road and bridge construction as well as 4.8 million euros for cultural projects, especially for the small house.

However, the city's financial structures are significantly burdened. The reasons are partly due to necessary expenses in the area of digitization in schools and the increasing IT costs. In addition, energy costs are increasing and significant funds are required for building entertainment and management. From 2024, 24 new positions in the city administration are also planned to compensate for chronic lack of personnel in critical areas, such as in construction.

future tax increases possible

In order to increase the income for 2024, the city administration raises the possibility of tax increases. This could affect dog and amusement tax in particular. Pragal emphasizes that such increases, however, need the approval of the city council, which will discuss this as part of the upcoming budget consultations. In the last session, a lively discussion about a higher sentence was already held by dog tax, which was ultimately rejected. However, some city councils could be open to a rethink, given the financial difficulties of the city.

The next steps in the budget process will be crucial, not only for the financial stability of Delmenhorst, but also for the orientation and priorities of the coming years. Citizens will eagerly observe how the city council will react to these challenges in order to secure both the necessary investments and to get the deficit structures under control.

Additional information about the developments in Delmenhorst and the urban budget are in a current report on Delmenews.de to be found.