Tromsø Municipality Faces Demanding Financial Situation, Must Cut 100 Man-Years

– Tromsø municipality will be in a demanding financial situation going forward.

Acting municipal director Mari Enoksen Hult says so.

She is aware that the financial situation in the municipality is serious.

In 2023, the municipality lost NOK 259 million. 100 of these millions went to the operation of the municipality.

– We are a robust organization that delivers good quality services to the citizens. Despite this, we have not been able to prioritize well enough in relation to the framework conditions that apply, says Hult.

Acting municipal director in Tromsø municipality, Mari Enoksen Hult, describes the situation as serious.

Photo: Jørn Inge Johansen/NRK

Must reduce 100 man-years

In 2024, Tromsø must reduce expenses by NOK 100 million.

Salaries are the municipality’s biggest cost. As a result, they will have to reduce their workforce by around 100 man-years.

These measures are now being introduced:

• As a general rule, vacancies are not filled.
• Expenses for substitutes, overtime and extra shifts must be limited to a minimum.
• Travel activity and course participation must be reduced.

In the presentation of the municipal finances, it is also highlighted that financial income was lower than estimated.

Hult also points out that external factors have affected the economy negatively.

– The war in Europe and the subsequent flow of refugees, geopolitical tensions, rising prices, the climate and nature crisis, and increased demand for services within care for the elderly in light of the demographic development. These are conditions that interfere directly with our spending, says Enoksen Hult.

This time the extra consumption is covered by saved funds, but these will soon be used up if the trend continues.

Photo: Hans L. Andreassen / NRK Aerial photo

Must spend 400 million less

The negative result from 2023 must be covered with money the municipality has on its books, but if the trend continues, this money will be used up before the end of the year.

– Tromsø municipality will be in a demanding financial situation going forward. Our employees stand in a pinch every day between loyalty to the citizens and those who receive our services, and loyalty to the necessary budget and financial management. This is demanding, and I commend them for sticking to it, says Hult.

The health and care service is among the units with large budget overruns.

Photo: Jørn Inge Johansen

In the longer term, Tromsø municipality plans to spend even less money.

In the four-year period up to 2028, they must spend NOK 400 million less. This means reducing the number of man-years by 300.

– We will continue the work of developing our services, but we must do so within the room for action we have, and by acquiring room for action through prioritization and increased income, says Hult.

These guidelines form the basis of that plan:

• Streamlining and organization
• Reduced sickness absence
• The possibility of increased income, including through metropolitan subsidies and changes in the income system

2024-03-08 08:38:33


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