Financial alarm bells ring: Salem's household in 2025 in the crisis!

Financial alarm bells ring: Salem's household in 2025 in the crisis!

Salem, Deutschland - alarming news from Salem! Mayor Manfred Härle found urgent words in the local council to outline the worrying financial situation of the municipality. In a letter from the Baden-Württemberg community day, an "unprecedented downward spiral" is spoken of, which endangers the financial scope of the municipalities. "The financial ability of the Baden-Württemberg municipalities are at risk than ever before," emphasized Härle and made it clear that the municipalities have to help the circle.

The forecasts for the 2025 budget are dark! Treasurer Julia Kneisel reported a decline in income, especially in the area of ​​income tax, where Salem has to expect a loss of 350,000 euros. In addition, the district levy is expected to increase by three percentage points, which means additional expenses of around 500,000 euros. The ordinary result will decrease to minus 1.7 million euros, and the surplus of payment is only 1.27 million euros. "We no longer bring funds to the side, but consume them," warned Kneisel.

investment program under pressure

Despite the financial difficulties, the municipality remains optimistic and has presented an adapted investment program. Mayor Härle informed about the planned expenses, including 105,000 euros for the digital radio of the fire brigade. However, the discussion about savings will be loud! Wolfgang Blaser from the FWV suggested to purchase mobile flood protection walls and a second emergency generator for 2026. Härle pointed out that such acquisitions cannot be done on their own and that an emergency generator is already being planned for 60,000 euros.

The community must also save in the playgrounds! Ursula Hefler from the CDU suggested reducing expenses for playgrounds from 120,000 euros to 80,000 euros. Mayor Härle agreed, but emphasized that the playgrounds should be kept up to date. "We believe that our earnings budget is quite catered for, but we don't want to go to the business," said Härle. So the municipality remains in search of solutions to remain capable of action, while the financial challenges are becoming increasingly pressing.