Corona hits the communities hard.
Oberau is not spared from this either.
In particular, there is a lack of income from trade tax.
There was already a huge slump in the budget of the municipality of Oberau in 2020.
The negative development continues.
“Another difficult year is ahead of us”, Stefan Hausenblas had to tell the local council.
"Corona continues to make us feel its negative effects financially," said the treasurer.
The lack of income from trade tax, from the tourist and tourist tax as well as the reduced key allocations are the main reasons why the total budget, at 8.46 million euros, has shrunk by almost one million compared to the previous year.
Above all, the collapsed trade tax tears a big hole in the municipal bag.
"That drops our allocation to the asset budget dramatically," emphasized Hausenblas.
Last year, when the negative effects on the financial plan were revealed by the corona pandemic, trade tax shrank to 1.42 million euros.
In 2019 the value was around 1.85 million euros.
Missing income from trade tax
The municipal treasurer sees no reason for optimism for this year either, the estimate for trade tax income is 1.50 million euros. The corona-related crisis is restricting many companies and businesses. "Last year, the disaster was not that big, because the state paid a loss compensation," reported the 56-year-old. But he feared that such funding was not planned for this year. In addition, there are companies involved in tourism in Oberau that apply for a reduction in the advance payment. As a result, the income from business tax will continue to decline.
Above all, the chamberlain criticized the lack of planning security.
"Nothing is reliable, the future is completely unclear." Every month there are different regulations, for example for emergency care or for lessons.
Among other things, the municipality cannot demand the kindergarten fees from the parents because the company is down.
Or the income from the open all-day school breaks away in distance teaching.
Above all, this has one consequence: “The minus is getting bigger,” complained Hausenblas, who has been treasurer in Oberau since 2004.
The minus is getting bigger
"The constantly changing requirements make the work very complex on the one hand, and difficult to calculate on the other," complained the finance manager. So the community had to postpone the renovation of the sewage treatment plant - a construction project started years ago. "We don't even know if and when we will be finished," said Hausenblas helplessly. The operation of other local facilities is also at risk. Last year, the swimming pool was only open for a short time and under certain conditions. The ski lift could not open during the winter, the crib museum remained closed, the entire tourism area is located in the village with currently 3206 inhabitants in the Argen.
The largest investment item this year is the water supply in the “Höfele” district.
Here and also in a part of Unterfeldstrasse, the remaining water pipes will be replaced this year.
Further expenses are to be expected in the coming years: “It will be necessary to modernize our partly very old water network,” the treasurer pointed out.
No contradictions
Despite all the difficulties, Hausenblas did not want to mop up.
The finance department tried to take all negative aspects into account.
"We have hopefully set up a reasonably stable and real budget," said the town treasurer, looking ahead.
None of the local councils disagreed; all seemed satisfied with the financial planning. There was only one request to speak from Johann Klein (Free Voting Community). “It was very difficult for the chamberlain. He has set up a good household. ”With a loud knock on the table, the other citizens' representatives confirmed this assessment.