So far, it has been easy to govern in Erdinger Land, as there was enough money.
Those days are over.
And now the question arises, how much does politics dare to expect of the citizens - our comment on the weekend.
Political mathematical logic works differently: it's easier to build and unlock a swimming pool than to close and demolish one.
Because in the first case the applause of the citizens lures, in the latter their anger threatens.
It's getting uncomfortable for local politics, because several factors are now converging that make it difficult to govern at grassroots level.
Tax revenue fell during the pandemic, but the federal and state governments made up for the shortfalls at least in trade tax.
Corona is (largely) a thing of the past, but the sources of taxation are far from bubbling up as strongly as they once did.
Municipalities are now feeling inflation and rising energy prices in the same way.
Significant wage increases are imminent.
The counties are demanding an overwhelmingly high surcharge in order to meet their obligations.
And anyone who has to finance a municipal hospital has to be prepared for compensation payments worth millions.
All of this means that more and more municipalities will no longer be able to balance their budgets either now or at the latest in the next few years.
What is currently being observed in Finsing will soon affect all communities: It goes to the pain threshold and beyond.
Many will have to raise local taxes.
Worse still, there are a lot of things you won't be able to afford: Finsing is about a fire engine that is only to be procured later.
Erding has taken two urgently needed fire stations out of (budget) planning for the time being.
Saving money at the fire brigade is a tricky mission, after all there is a risk of duping volunteers who fulfill a municipal duty.
Many local politicians are now experiencing for the first time what it really means to have to save.
Being the mayor is easy when the coffers are full.
It's easy to manage with a bulging wallet.
Wishes of influential groups are simply fulfilled - a new sports field here, a community center there.
In the district of Erding, this has worked well for decades.
When the district committee meets on Monday to discuss the budget again, it will become clear how courageous the politicians are.
Can, as demanded by the SPD, the renovation of the district office still wait?
Does the clinic need a parking garage if you don't yet know what the federal hospital reform will do with the location?
Shouldn't the lush expansion of the Anne Frank Grammar School be trimmed a little, especially since the large increase in students is over?
Questions like these have only ever been touched upon in the past, but now they are being asked seriously.
Local politics used to be easier.
ham
