Bad Tölz - In times of pandemics, money for culture is needed more than ever.
The city of Bad Tölz is therefore planning to provide 60,000 euros more than usual for support in the coming budget.
Two years ago, the city council of Bad Tölz decided on a guideline for the promotion and support of events from the culture fund, "to support and inspire cultural life," reported Tölz 'mayor Ingo Mehner (CSU) on Tuesday in the main and Finance committee. Since the events in 2020 and 2021 were largely idle, it is now necessary to decide on the amount of funds to be planned in anticipation of the upcoming budget, added treasurer Hermann Forster. Because the organizers have to submit their applications for support now and have them approved.
"The pandemic has drained the entire event industry, both financially and emotionally," Forster continued.
That is why the Culture and Tourism Committee that met last had already decided to “act in a way that is organizer-friendly”.
In other words: the city wants to provide more money from the culture fund than in the two previous years.
But from an economic point of view, that is not a deficit either, as Forster explained.
After the approaches from previous years were not exhausted due to the corona pandemic - a total of 120,000 euros - the combing department considers an increase to 160,000 euros "exceptionally justifiable".
For comparison: the previous financial planning provided for 100,000 euros per year.
Tölz 'third mayor appeals to "generosity"
Forster put it casually: "It's one more sip from the ampoule".
A "small deviation from previous years", which is due to the special situation that the city can afford due to the cultural savings due to the Corona crisis.
Christof Botzenhart (CSU) also saw it that way, so the Third Mayor asked for “generosity”.
Anton Mayer (CSU) pleaded for it to be stated in writing in the minutes that the special regulation of the increased provision of funds for the cultural fund should only be set on the budget for 2022/23.
Because otherwise he fears a "sure runner".
Botzenhart saw it differently: "We shouldn't impose any shackles on ourselves now, we can also set a specific amount later." In addition, the city council has an eye on the budget.
That is the case, confirmed Forster.
In addition, the amounts are usually to compensate for a calculation deficit.
Means: "Experience has shown that the actual billing often does not exhaust the maximum draft allowance."
Tölzer cultural promotion an "important investment"
Johanna Pfund von den Grünen saw the current cultural funding as an “important investment in the future”.
After that, however, the economy should be managed to cover costs again, she emphasized, and continued: "We should all go to the events." . “That is what sets the city of Bad Tölz apart.
In the end, the main and finance committee unanimously approved the total of 160,000 to be set in anticipation of the 2022 budget.