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Property tax reform: Röthenbach and Gestratz remain with old rates!
The property tax reform burdens owners in Röthenbach and Gestratz. Find out how the assessment rates change and what that means for your wallet.
Property tax reform: Röthenbach and Gestratz remain with old rates!
The property tax reform has made its first waves in West Allgäu! In the Argental communities of Röthenbach and Gestratz, the local councils discussed the assessment rates this week, and the results are shocking for many property owners. While heated debates took place in other communities, a decision was made quickly in Röthenbach: the assessment rates will remain unchanged for the time being. But that's only half the truth, because due to new measurement amounts, citizens have to expect an increase in property taxes by almost 50 percent!
Mayor Stephan Höß was surprised by the quick decision. However, treasurer Veronika Knitz warned: The financial uncertainties are far from being resolved. While the municipality is struggling with a deficit, it has demanded additional revenue from property taxes to improve its dire budget situation. Anton Trautmann recalled that the municipality has not made any adjustments for 30 years, which means a financial disaster given inflation of over 60 percent.
Gestratz: Another financial dilemma
In Gestratz the situation remained similarly tense. Here it was also decided to maintain the assessment rates, which means an average additional burden of 60 percent for citizens! Mayor Engelbert Fink emphasized the need for this decision to cover the increasing costs for the municipality despite being debt-free. The council discussion was brief but contentious, with only 11 residents interested in the meeting. However, the mayor expects more attention when property tax notices are sent out.
The assessment rates in the smallest rural municipality are alarmingly high: 400 percent for agricultural land and 440 percent for developed land! The municipality plans to increase its income from 154,000 euros to 246,500 euros annually. But citizens must prepare for a financial burden that they cannot ignore. The property tax reform not only brings changes, but also painful consequences for property owners in the region!