Community Freistatt is debt-free and wants to stay that way / household without new loans
Ginkgo trees are to be planted along Rudolf-Hardt-Strasse in Freistatt.
© –
Freistatt – The community of Freistatt is debt-free – and does not want to change anything in the coming year. The council decided on the budget for the year 2021 in a public session on Thursday evening under the leadership of Mayor Gero Enders. This includes specific plans for the town. Nevertheless, the following also applies to the municipality of Freistatt: “The figures for the years 2021 to 2024 are pure budget figures that may still change with regard to trade tax, in particular due to the economic effects of the corona pandemic,” warned treasurer Michael Kopecki, who presented the figures that do without loans.
Because of the larger space, the meeting took place in the Moorkirche – and there would have been room for spectators, but no one came. The council members nonetheless thought of the citizens: Specifically, it is about the street maintenance concept that is to be implemented from next year. Mayor Gero Enders reminded that residents do not always have to pay fees. If a street is completely rebuilt, the residents would have to pay, as stipulated in the road development contribution statute. If the road is “only” repaired, it is, however, a bit like “messing around”, believes Enders. It remains free for the residents. At the beginning of the year, the council will deal with the proposals that have been drawn up for Freistatt by employees of the Syke trail association, explained Enders. Funds are planned for the first measures: the approach to maintaining municipal roads has been increased to 50,000 euros in 2021. In addition to the basic amount of 15,000 euros, it includes 25,000 euros for measures from the road maintenance concept and 10,000 euros for replacement plantings. This also means a measure on Rudolf-Hardt-Straße. There was no agreement in the council as to what new street trees should be planted there. On the one hand the townscape is characterized by linden trees, on the other hand a horticulturist recommended ginkgo trees. “The future will show whether it is the right decision,” said Gero Enders. The majority of the council voted to replant gingko trees. They should already have a certain height, around two to three meters when they are set in the coming year. There should be at least ten of them – depending on the possible locations that would be checked so as not to damage supply lines.
Another increased approach concerns the trench clearance: Here, 2,500 euros more are planned for corresponding work in the Sprekelshorst area. The budget for 2021 closes in the result budget with a deficit of 34 700 euros. “This can, however, be covered by the surplus reserve, which has a portfolio of around EUR 435,000,” explained Kämmerer Kopecki. The budget is thus balanced. Kopecki showed that the financial budgets in 2021 as well as 2023 and 2024 are planning to generate surpluses and that the sum of liquid funds increases.
– –
