Future of the Upper Palatinate: Financial crisis is forcing municipalities to cut hard!

Future of the Upper Palatinate: Financial crisis is forcing municipalities to cut hard!

The financial future of the Upper Palatinate municipalities is anything but promising! At the district association assembly of the Bavarian community day in Schmidmühlen it became clear: "The good years are over!", According to the gloomy forecast by Hans-Peter Mayer, the director of the Bavarian community day. Around 160 mayors and administrative officers gathered to be informed about the cloudy views and pressing tasks. A look at the numbers shows that the municipalities are facing a huge deficit of already five billion euros in the first half of the year!

The municipal expenses increase dramatically, while the expected income will only increase by two percent. This leads to a financial imbalance that brings the cities into considerable difficulties. "Not everything that is desirable will be realized in the future," warns Mayer. He estimates that municipalities have to restrict fundamental services. The impending emergency forces municipal decision -makers to rethink their financial priorities. So the offer of voluntary services is massively examined - could swimming pools or the support of clubs soon be on the brink?

Challenges through migration

Another hot topic burns the mayors among the nails: migration. District President Walter Jonas reported that a reduced number of migrants can be expected this year - with the remarkable exception of war refugees from Ukraine, the number of which could also increase in the coming months. The current border controls have contributed to the fact that the municipalities are relieved somewhat, but family reunification remains a major challenge. The responsibility now lies with the Ministry of Culture, which has to find a solution through more educational staff.

The concerns about the financial stability of the municipalities are driving the responsible persons and commemorating the 1972 area reform - a devilish task that can only be mastered together. Egoism is out of place! Only through joint action will the municipalities be able to master the weighty challenges that are in front of them. A clear call for collaboration in stormy times!