Fighting communities: Austerity measures in Salzburg are increasing!

Fighting communities: Austerity measures in Salzburg are increasing!

In Salzburg, numerous communities are under enormous financial pressure, which leads to drastic savings. The first victims are the traditional gifts of the mayors such as bouquets for jubilees. More and more places, a total of 13, have made an application as a compensation community this year, which is comparatively low compared to other federal states. "We have turned every cent," describes David Egger (SPÖ), CEO of Neumarkt, the location that is tightened by rising costs and falling federal revenue. Future music are also planned investments for many communities.

rising expenses, stagnating income

The municipalities are faced with an enormous imbalance: the expenditure on social achievements, including the care of seniors and toddlers, rises rapidly while the income stagnates. It is estimated that the number of municipalities that are dependent on budget equalization will double or even triple next year. More and more municipalities that have been stable in the past are in the financial emergency. Mayor Hans-Jürgen Schiefer (ÖVP) from Muhr reports that the departure of his community has increased by 20 percent in the past two years, which is only covered by reserves.

in Zell am See, large new buildings are dispensed with and limited to necessary renovations, while the municipality of Unternberg wants to keep independence despite direct investments in a new fire station. The risk of becoming a compensation community threatens in particular many smaller, but also some medium -sized communities. On average, six municipalities are currently managed as compensation communities, with possible growths in the coming months, such as Sn.at

The Situation has also caused the mayors to call for reforms in municipal financing. Manfred Sampl, President of the Salzburg Community Association, emphasizes that the financial bottlenecks are not due to bad management, but rather to an increase in the assigned tasks. Deputy Governor Stefan Schnöll (ÖVP) confirms the need for a reform both at the state and community level, and promises additional support for the communities. "It is not easy to meet social needs if the financial resources are limited," he emphasizes, as well as krone.at . It remains to be seen how the communities can secure their financial future while the challenges continue to increase.