Northeim's district administrator warns: financial fiasco is imminent without quick help!

Northeim's district administrator warns: financial fiasco is imminent without quick help!

An alarming financial situation is shaking the Northeim district! District Administrator Astrid Klinkert-Kittel (SPD) presented the district council with a devastating double budget for the years 2025 and 2026 - with a shocking deficit of around 46.5 million euros each! “The negative trend from last year continues, there is no trend reversal in sight for 2026,” the district administrator emphasized emphatically.

Despite an increase in income of 11 million euros, the cash register remains empty: expenses increase by an incredible 30 million euros! A main problem is transfer expenses such as youth welfare and social services, which will increase by 18.4 million euros next year. “The scarce resources and the dwindling trust in state institutions are worrying,” warned Klinkert-Kittel. The district is not alone with these financial difficulties; The situation is similarly catastrophic in many German districts. The number of 174 regions that had to increase the levy speaks volumes!

Urgent investments despite financial crisis

Those responsible still have to set priorities and push ahead with important investments – a fine line to walk in the midst of the crisis. Between 2025 and 2029, 4.5 million euros are planned for vehicles and digital alarms, and the construction of a new disaster protection center will cost 3.4 million euros. In addition, 3.6 million euros are needed to maintain the road network, while 2.75 million euros are planned to defuse dangerous accident hotspots!

In view of the new deficits, a budget security concept is essential. All voluntary services must be examined carefully! The district administrator has invited all parliamentary group representatives to a first round of discussions on Monday, November 4th, and it remains to be seen how the district council will react to this alarming situation.