Villach: City council decides extensive budget for 2025

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At the recent meeting of the Villach municipal council, the financial plan for 2025 was decided, which comprises a total volume of 332.8 million euros. The plan, which was presented by Mayor Günther Albel (SPÖ), received the support from the parties SPÖ, FPÖ, ÖVP and Greens, which corresponds to 40 out of 45 possible voices. The budget provides investments of 47.4 million euros.

A central concern in this budget is the increasing expenses. The departure amounts to 13 million euros, which increases the debt to a total of 91 million euros. This represents a challenge, since the shares in the tax revenue that are returned to the municipality by the Federal Government decrease, while the mandatory editions are continuously increasing.

increasing local tax and investment focus

The budget provides for an increase in local tax by 4.3 percent to 48 million euros. This tax is the most important source of income in the city. The investments focus on several essential areas, including education and childcare, infrastructure and climate protection. A total of 61 million euros flow into the social and health sector.

Mayor Albel made it clear that there is still no saving on the numerous Villach clubs. These clubs play an essential role in the city's social structure and are involved in areas such as integration, sport and culture. In addition, the offensive for funded residential construction continues to meet the demand for living space.

large investments in education and transport

A significant part of the budget is invested in education. In addition to 17.8 million euros for kindergartens, 12.4 million euros are scheduled for other educational institutions. At the moment, the focus is on the renovation of the Richard Wagner School, for which 9.9 million euros alone are planned. Public transport is also taken into account at 7.2 million euros to promote mobility in the city.

The development road to the new large barracks in Fellach also receives a financial contribution of six million euros. This road will serve to keep military traffic away from the residential areas, with the three barracks - pipe barracks, lozengounig barracks and Hensel barracks - in which Fellach is to be merged.

With these measures, the city strives to achieve a balanced budget from 2027, in the medium term, based on forecasts of the Ministry of Finance. Intensive savings measures and moderate fee increases should help to alleviate the financial minus. For a comprehensive overview of the situation, The report on kaernten.orf Further details.