2023-12-04 12:31:42
Wels (OTS) – Due to the consistent budget policy, the city of Wels has managed to be almost debt-free, build up record reserves and realize numerous investments worth millions without new debts.
The present double budget 2024/25 of the city of Wels secures and strengthens the quality of life of Wels citizens. The principle has been in effect in Wels for years: consistent reduction of existing debts, fair distribution and no new debts. “Our budget allows us to implement many projects and social services that would not be possible in other cities,” says Mayor Dr. Andreas Rabl.
In the case of the double budget, a budget surplus from operational management of around 10.23 million euros is expected for 2024, and an increase of around 7.75 million euros in 2025.
Safety net for the future
With the planned double budget, many projects for the city can be implemented again without having to take on new debt. The planned projects are designed for sustainability, will last for many years and will further increase the quality of life in Wels. The focus of spending is clearly on the future areas of childcare, integration, mobility, health, climate protection as well as the economy and the labor market. “The double budget not only offers scope for action, but above all planning security. Thanks to forward-looking planning, we are well prepared for the years 2024 and 2025. Our budget stability will continue to be guaranteed,” says Mayor Dr. Andreas Rabl.
The most important income includes, among others:
– The revenue shares will increase in the budget year 2024 by around 5.4 million euros to a total of 107.9 million euros compared to the projection for 2023. In the budget year 2025, an amount of 112.3 million euros was estimated.
– Around 57.8 million euros are budgeted for municipal tax, and around 60.6 million euros for 2025.
– In terms of income from transfers, income of EUR 28.2 million and EUR 29.1 million was budgeted in the 2024 and 2025 estimates.
The most important expenses include:
– Around 104.2 million euros are planned for material expenses in 2024 and around 105.8 million euros in 2025.
– When it comes to transfer payments, the hospital contribution will have an impact of around 29.6 million euros in 2024 and around 31.2 million euros in 2025. The contribution according to the Equal Opportunities Act is 10.5 million euros or 11.3 million euros.
– The subsidies to private kindergartens are around 13.3 million euros in the 2024 budget and around 14.1 million euros in the 2025 estimate.
– The payments for personnel are estimated to rise to around 96.5 million euros in 2024 and to around 101.9 million euros in 2025.
– A total of around 14.0 million euros and 15.4 million euros were earmarked for pensions in the budget years 2024 and 2025.
Wels will invest around 51.8 million euros in 2024/2025
Due to consistent budget management, the city of Wels has managed to create reserves that now enable investments amounting to millions. And this without having to take on new debt. A total of 24.6 million euros is allocated in the investment budget and 27.2 million euros in the double budget for 2024 and 2025.
The largest investments include:
- 15.3 million euros for the new construction of the exhibition hall
- 10.3 million euros for the redesign and expansion of the Volksgarten (total 12 million euros)
- 7.4 million euros for transport infrastructure
- 4.5 million euros for the possible organization of the State Garden Show in 2027 (total 10 million euros)
- 2.8 million euros for the fire department and the municipal vehicle fleet
Predicted record reserves of almost 83 million euros
No loans are planned in the 2024/2025 double budget. In 2024, the repayments will amount to around 2.0 million euros and in 2025 around 1.7 million euros.
Between 2015 and 2025 the debt will decrease by 65.0 million euros. In 2025, the debt level of the city of Wels will be 4.1 million euros. The per capita debt will therefore further reduce to 64 euros in 2025. Overall, the debt per capita will therefore decrease by 1,096 euros from 2015 to 2025. Since 2015, the reserves have changed from EUR 18.60 million to EUR 82.9 million.
“Thanks to careful financial management, we are able to implement the planned investments for the city without having to take on new debt. “We are de facto debt-free,” says Mayor Dr. Rabl pleased.
Questions & Contact:
City of Wels
Mag. Maria Milassin
Press Officer Mayor’s Office
+43 7242 235 3008
maria.milassin@wels.gv.at
1701693774
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