St. Pölten in the savings mode: What are the services on the brink?

St. Pölten in the savings mode: What are the services on the brink?

St. Pölten, Österreich - The city of St. Pölten is facing a comprehensive austerity course to significantly improve its financial situation by 2026. With a savings goal of around 11 million euros, the city administration wants to implement various measures that contain both savings in the administration and reductions in personnel and factual expenses. Initial consolidation measures were taken in 2024 and have already shown positive effects on the financial situation, which, despite tense circumstances, cuts better than originally forecast, as 5min.at.

In order to effectively overcome the financial challenges, a household consolidation concept is developed, which should ensure the securing of the city's ability to act without affecting the civil services. A steering group that includes representatives of all parties represented in the local council will meet in early June to work on the final consolidation plan. The decision of the plan is planned for the next meeting of the local council in June.

savings and affected areas

A central component of the savings package is savings in various areas of the city administration. This includes subsidies for political work in the amount of 150,000 euros as well as cuts in downtown and tourism marketing and parts of the public bus system. The savings potential in road construction is particularly striking, where around one million euros could be saved annually. The shift or deletion of large construction projects, such as the renovation of the Karmeliterhof, could also save over a million euros annually. The savings should result in almost half from the reduction of urban services, while 10 % are to be achieved by increases in income, such as higher parking tariffs, ORF.

Mayor Matthias Stadler emphasizes that even unpleasant discussions are necessary to ensure the financial stability of the city. On the other hand, safety -relevant services and supporting clubs and institutions with youth work.

The context of budget consolidation

In the book ESV, which deals with consolidation measures for municipalities, the challenge, which is often experienced by cities, is highlighted: Knapp resources are opposed to increasing demands of the population. The methodically structured measures that are described there are aimed at the task of preventing municipal budget crises and recognizing and using consolidation potential.

st. With her savings plan, Pölten has taken a step that many municipalities can understand in similar locations. By focusing on a comprehensive analysis of its financial situation, it gives itself the opportunity not only to find short -term solutions, but also to secure financial stability in the long term.