Financial hardship in Altena and Lüdenscheid: What now?

Financial hardship in Altena and Lüdenscheid: What now?

In Altena there is alarming financial shortage! The city council came together today to say goodbye to the household for 2024. But the pressing problem: there is a whopping 6.5 million euros in order to cover the expenses. The treasurer, who manages the city finances, sees no way out of the crisis-all savings have already been exploited, reports Radio Mk .

Another critical point is the exorbitant property tax, which is disproportionately burdened by both homeowners and tenants in Altena. This is one of the highest in North Rhine-Westphalia, and the treasurer has made it clear that no further increases are possible. In the neighboring city of Lüdenscheid, too, those responsible face similar financial challenges. Here, too, the city council has to decide on the property tax rates today to compensate for the budget for the next year. The financial crises in both cities throw dark shadows on municipal stability, as can be seen from the 2024 budget report, which among other things in a document of Altena Emergency operation is published.

The current developments are a warning sign for the financial health of cities in the Märkisches Kreis. It remains to be seen how the city councils of Altena and Lüdenscheid will react to these economic challenges.