Red alarm level in Klagenfurt: City threatens 50 million euro finance hole

Red alarm level in Klagenfurt: City threatens 50 million euro finance hole

Klagenfurt is in a financial crisis that keeps the town hall busy. The latest reports by finance officer Constance Mohar (SPÖ) show that the city will be faced with a deficit of over 50 million euros in the coming year. Overall, the city's debt load amounts to 114 million euros, while the treasury of 130 million euros is intended for projects already specified such as the indoor pool and the sewage treatment plant. This means that the city only stays limited options to avert the financial pressure. Mohar warns that without drastic savings or additional income, the city will no longer be able to pay its ongoing liabilities.

The alarm bells ring and the discussion about possible savings has already started. Political parties in Klagenfurt have different approaches to cope with this crisis. The club chairman of the Carinthia team, Patrick Jonke, calls for a fundamental reform of the city administration and a smaller city council and the municipal council. He is convinced that such measures can result in savings of up to one million euros annually. This could noticeably relieve the city's financial resources.

long -term problems and omissions

The causes of the current situation go back to the past. As early as 2015, when Marie-Luise Mathiaschitz took over Christian Scheider's office, there were reports on the city's pitiful financial situation. The then finance officer Philip Liesnig had already found a minus of six million euros. Despite these warning signs, necessary reforms have never been implemented, which led to a constant deterioration in the financial situation.

The ÖVP and the NEOS also require a serious examination of the situation. ÖVP club chairman Julian Geier emphasizes that there are many good concepts in the town hall, but the implementation is missing. Janos Juvan, city party chairman of the NEOS, calls for a concrete package of measures that should guarantee both short and long-term savings. These voices put pressure on the city administration to finally take active steps.

measures to stabilize

Mayor Christian Scheider recognized the problem and talks about the planned structural reform, which will also bring savings in the personnel area. He announced that up to 50 employees will retire in the coming months without being supposed to exist. "We have to make sure that the necessary services can continue to be provided without getting into an even deeper debt trap," says Scheider.

To discuss the financial situation, a special council meeting for October 23, which was requested by the other parties. This assembly will not only address the current challenges, but also lead to the fact that the country's municipal department will in future call for semi -annual reports from the city. The coming weeks will be crucial to find out whether Klagenfurt can find a solution to your financial problems or whether the debt mountain continues to grow. For more comprehensive information you can take a look at a Article by www.meinbezirk.at throw.