When it came to the budget plan at the last municipal council meeting in 2023, treasurer Matthias Käppeler was pleased that, with a surplus of almost three million euros, the result budget was much better than estimated. The fact that there are surprises is also a concern for business owners, because: “We often don’t know who the business tax payers are.”
He pointed out positive developments in various areas and provisions running into millions. Käppeler did not avoid complaining about the costs of tourist tax judgments and deficiencies in various other areas. On the other hand, he admitted, there were decent results on the additional income side and investments were within the planned range. In addition, there would be increased interest income on the investment side.
No borrowing
The announced loan requirements and borrowings were not needed – in fact, the bottom line was that more than six million euros were generated, which are available for investments. This means that the community will probably not have to take out a loan in the coming year either.
Mayor Daniel Enzensperger addressed the general situation in his budget speech. Wars and crises also affected us. The result: “Priorities have to be set – only concentrating on the essentials helps.” He is also grateful for the support of the local council, which supports the decisions “with a high level of financial expertise”. Increasing taxes, duties and fees is not popular, but necessary.
Supervisor at the limit
The current budget again corresponds to the precautionary principle, i.e. a “black zero” for 2024. Nevertheless, more than 50 million are planned for investments in the core budget over the next five years, and almost the same amount will be used for investments in own businesses, so that a total of 97 million is expected by 2027.
Enzensperger was pleased that large sums were being invested in infrastructure and education. In other budget speeches there was also talk of important school investments; here one would be well advised to design rather than just manage (Stefan Fehringer for the BWV). Climate protection, the energy transition and the number of refugees who need to be accommodated were also discussed here the carers are at their limit.
Climate protection as a show of strength
Karl Bentele recognized uncertainty and stress for the CDU parliamentary group, but stated with a wink: “The recession is not coming to Kressbronn.” Bentele described the housing procurement plans as “sporty”. He saw climate and energy measures as a “show of strength”. Regarding the level of debt, he warned: “140 percent above the average debt of comparable communities, you cannot and must not get used to that.” Savings are now a foreign concept, but could become necessary again.
Sabine Witzigmann (Alliance 90/The Greens) spoke of noticeable climate change. Strong schools are also needed to defend democracy. She called for further improvements to the housing situation, bicycle lanes and climate protection concepts. There is a dead end when it comes to flood protection. Overall, a strong democratic society is needed for a more open country.
AI in administration?
For the SPD, Martin Kolb rather mischievously suggested that “AI should be used to save money on administration”. We are pleased about the response from the citizens of Kressbronn to the awarding of housing construction projects, even if the major projects are running in more difficult times. Kolb found the 2024 budget “cautiously realistic”.
Martina Knappert-Hiese (GUBB) focused on the refugee situation. Things are looking particularly bad for refugee language courses and medical care. She warned: “The climate catastrophe is increasing the number of people fleeing their home countries.”
Addendum and new plan approved
The 2024 budget provides for an estimated total result of 133,000 euros. There was ultimately unanimous approval for the budget implementation and supplements for 2023 as well as for the budget statutes and the 2024 budget with investment plan and medium-term financial planning until 2027. The real tax assessment rates for property tax are 360 for agriculture and forestry or 380 percent, the trade tax is at 360 percent of the tax assessment amounts.
The council also unanimously approved the economic plans of the wastewater disposal, housing construction and property management companies as well as the municipal utilities.
2023-12-30 07:00:28
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