Olpe plans 3.2 million euros deficit: tax increase and large investments!

Olpe plans 3.2 million euros deficit: tax increase and large investments!

Olpe, Deutschland - In Olpe it is bubbling financially! The city faces a budget deficit of 3.2 million euros for 2025, as Mayor Peter Weber unveiled on November 13th. But that's not the end of the flagpole! Compared to the predicted 6.6 million euros, this is a small ray of hope. The city administration thus remains below the deficit limit of 4 million euros. Weber promises that a "compatible deficit" can also be expected in the coming years that the finances will not overwhelm.

But the true drama unfolds in the planned investments! Olpe plans to spend an incredible 100 million euros for the years 2025 to 2028 - an almost historical feat! Treasurer Thomas Bär warns that the city is dependent on the surpluses of the past few years to manage these huge expenses. The new building of the town hall in particular will cost 35.3 million euros. "We are investing in the future and the attractiveness of our city," says Weber. But the city must also ask the citizens to checkout: the property tax is increased by 3.4 percent, and for the first time there are differentiated lifting rates for residential property and non-residential plots.

tax increases and social responsibility

The trade tax is also increased, which will also burden the companies in Olpe. The city expects income of 23.8 million euros from trade tax and 5 million euros from property tax. In view of the tense housing situation in Olpe, the city becomes active in social housing. A funding commitment from the country is expected for the construction project of the newly founded Olper Hütte cooperative, which is not sufficient. Therefore, an additional 600,000 euros are planned in the household.

Another important project for 2025 is the removal of sediment deposits in the Obersee, for which 500,000 euros are planned. The city does not want to wait until 2040 if the regular removal is due by the Ruhrverband. Instead, a grant is provided to secure the attractiveness of the popular circular route at the lake. Olpe faces major challenges, but also with huge opportunities!