Contribution increase 2025: Nauen demands more from property owners!

Contribution increase 2025: Nauen demands more from property owners!

Nauen is facing a financial turnaround! From January 1, 2025, the owners of agricultural land and watercourses will have to dig deeper into their pockets. The contribution increases from 17.98 euros to 18.81 euros per hectare. The owners of forests and standing water also have to prepare for higher costs: their contribution increases from 8.99 euros to 9.40 euros. For settlement and traffic areas that affect municipalities and private property owners, the contribution will be increased from 35.97 euros to 37.61 euros per hectare. This decision was made by a majority of the association meeting in Paaren im Glien, despite four votes against.

The water and soil association “Großer Havelländischer Hauptkanal-Havelkanal-Havelseen” (WBV) has the task of maintaining the water bed and ensuring water drainage. The association area extends over around 160,000 hectares and includes 39 municipalities in the districts of Havelland, Oberhavel, Ost-Prignitz-Ruppin and Potsdam-Mittelmark. The increase in contributions is a response to the threat of a shortfall in revenue from the state of around 235,000 euros, which will be caused by reduced services from the State Environment Agency for 2025. Association managing director Peter Hacke explains that the rising personnel costs of four percent are also included in the contribution calculation.

Financial burden for everyone involved

The financial implications are far-reaching. In Nauen, the municipality has to raise over 500,000 euros annually, with an agreement in place with farmers who voluntarily contribute 120,000 euros. In the Friesack district, each property owner receives an individual contribution notice, while in other municipalities the contributions are added to the property tax. In Falkensee, on the other hand, the private property owners are relieved because the city covers the entire contribution. In the coming year, in addition to maintaining water bodies, the WBV is also planning measures to stabilize the landscape water balance, including upgrading important weirs.