Financial crisis: Mayor warn of the municipalities collapse!

Financial crisis: Mayor warn of the municipalities collapse!

Bad Münstereifel, Deutschland - alarm mood in the district of Euskirchen! The mayors gathered in the district house when District Administrator Markus Ramers brought them the shocking news: For 2025, the cities and municipalities have to pay an incredible 230 million euros in a circular levy - an increase of 31 million euros compared to 2024! "There was depressive silence," one participant describes the dark atmosphere. Dr. Hans-Peter Schick, Mayor of Mechernich, warns: "That would be the end of municipal households!"

The worries are tangible! Schick, who has been in office for 25 years, has never experienced such an increase. Citizens have to get to higher taxes or less municipal benefits. "The municipalities will slide into the household security in rows," he predicts. The situation in Bad Münstereifel is already dramatic: a concept previously created is due to the additional two million euros in circular “im buckets”. The mayor of Bad Münstereifel, Sabine Preiser-Marian, confirms this. Where should the municipalities save? The times when grants for clubs were disputed are over. "There has been no such thing for a long time," says Schleiden's treasurer Marcel Wolter.

Financial collapse threatens!

The numbers are alarming: the district levy now exceeds the tax revenue of 11.7 million euros. Mayor Ingo Pfennings describes the situation as "coffin nail for local finances" and brings a "municipal soli" into play. The Schleiden Council has already decided on the budget for 2025, but the new contribution payment of 15.2 million euros could lead to a supplementary budget or even a budget lock. "The trade tax will also let up," warns Wolter.

The city of Euskirchen, which contributes to a third of the district levy, has to expect ten million euros more. Mayor Sacha Reichelt speaks of a "violent" burden. Even if Euskirchen is currently financially good, he looks worries into the future. "If the income situation in Germany continues to deteriorate, it will be very difficult for many municipalities." The discussion about savings and the responsibility of the district council has just started while the mayors are looking for solutions to avert the financial collapse.