Corona means little money in the till, energy prices are rising massively: Wolfratshausen is financially not a bed of roses.
The city is looking for solutions.
Wolfratshausen - The animal welfare association needs money.
The water rescue service Wolfratshausen and the DLRG Schäftlarn-Wolfratshausen fear that their swimming courses will continue without a financial injection from the city.
The citizens for citizens association needs over 70,000 euros: three associations wanted an answer to pressing questions from the main committee and five from the city council's culture committee.
Because of Corona and rising costs: Wolfratshausen does not promise clubs any money - city council has to reschedule
They applied for grants for the year 2022. However, none of the clubs is currently receiving a commitment: The city is stepping on the brakes on spending - at least for the time being.
The city's financial situation does not look too rosy.
None of the motions were dealt with in the main committee meeting on Tuesday evening.
The reason is the unclear financial future of the municipality.
In addition to heavy losses on the income side due to the corona pandemic, the costs for the city are increasing.
The energy prices are increasing extremely: a few days ago the offer for the gas supply was received in the town hall - “that is almost twice as high as last time”, says town hall chief Klaus Heilinglechner.
The district levy (the money goes to the district) will also increase.
Wolfratshausen: City treasury is emptying due to Corona and energy prices
The city also has to repay current loans - "we have to meet a minimum allocation," says the mayor.
"But we're a long way from that." The result: If the city has to take out new loans, for example when the renovation and expansion of the elementary and middle school starts (cost currently around 50 million euros), the legal supervision could District Office, register concerns.
Wolfratshauser associations need patience - for the time being there are no financial promises
Heilinglechner would like to avoid such a dispute as much as possible. His move: He will convene the city councils for a budget meeting. Before that, no more voluntary benefits from the city should be decided. "We definitely have to think about which voluntary services we cut back," says the mayor. “I don't want to decide on any subsidies now that we would rather not pay in the end.” Because even if the proposals had been approved in the technical committee: “Until we have finally decided on the 2022 budget, the clubs will not get a decision from the city. "
He is aware that it is an important planning basis for the clubs what kind of money they can count on.
This year they would have to be patient.
Urban projects also have to queue: the building committee wanted to set up a funding program for the switch to renewable energies and advise whether the free city bus tickets for schoolchildren and senior citizens will also be issued in the coming year.
The debates were nipped in the bud, even if it seems clear that these subsidies for environmental protection should be continued: "Yes, we have to talk about money, but we should think very carefully about whether we want to make deletions in this area," said CSU. Parliamentary group leader Peter Plößl in the building committee.
Wolfratshausen has to save: the city council has to think about it
Richard Kugler (Wolfratshauser List) added: “I am generally in favor of saving money, but I see things a little differently with such topics.” He is “not a fan” of “saving around with such small amounts”.
Kugler's approach: "We have large projects where we can save a lot more money." SPD Councilor Gerlinde Berchtold, however, pointed out: "I fear that we will have to withdraw to the core tasks." That would mean that voluntary services - how club subsidies and grants to energy savers - would fall victim to the financial situation.
Wolfratshauser City Council plans a retreat on the financial situation
A decision should be made in the exam no later than December.
The mayor expects an updated tax estimate for the coming year around November.
“After that, I want to convene the city council as soon as possible.” Behind closed doors, he would like to consult with the committee.
“The exam won't last a whole weekend, but I definitely want to take a few hours for the topic.” Will the non-profit organizations' grant applications fail at this meeting?
“I don't know,” replies Heilinglechner.
In the short term, the clubs do not have to fear any cuts: The grants approved for 2021 will probably no longer be shaken.