As of: February 20, 2024, 11:00 a.m
By: Manuela Schauer
Comments
Press
Split
Still meadow: Construction work to develop the commercial area in Altenau will begin in the spring.
The municipality around Mayor Rupert Speer has already allocated land.
© Dominik Bartl
The community of Saulgrub is also feeling the effects of inflation and price increases.
But the moderate spending policy of recent years is now paying off.
The big projects don't wobble.
Saulgrub – There are empty chairs.
A few local councilors are missing.
Still.
“We save on meeting fees,” jokes Martin Kriner.
A few local politicians would have to take turns staying at home in order to protect the municipal coffers in turbulent times like these.
Just kidding, logical.
His colleagues on the committee laugh.
They have every reason to do so.
Because, as it becomes apparent shortly afterwards, the Saulgrub municipality is not in nearly as bad a financial situation.
Quite the opposite.
“We can once again decide on our budget with peace of mind,” says Mayor Rupert Speer.
Said and done.
Without moo and moo.
While other municipalities have to make red flags in many areas this year due to inflation and the sharp increase in personnel and energy costs, Speer gives the clear route: “We can make our investments with a clear conscience.” The asset budget in which they are presented is swelled to a record value of around 3.1 million euros, of course also because everything is becoming more expensive.
“This is the highest we have ever had,” explains the town hall boss.
“In times when many people are withdrawing, we are doing well.” Some projects will be important.
For example, the commercial area on the eastern outskirts of Altenau, which costs a total of 570,000 euros (see info box).
Construction work on the development is scheduled to begin this spring.
This includes, for example, connecting the sewer and water pipe connection to the existing main pipe.
The measures should be completed by summer.
The property owners can then start building.
The largest project is the kindergarten in Saulgrub. It needs to be rebuilt and expanded.
Preparations are underway to obtain building permits.
The estimated costs are around 1.3 million euros.
However, funding of 40 to 50 percent is in prospect.
No debts since 2010
The fact that the municipality can manage the sometimes complex projects is due to the moderate spending policy that has been practiced for years, explains treasurer Georg Eirenschmalz.
And the comfortable reserves of around four million euros.
The municipality is raiding its piggy bank to some extent this year, lightening it by around 1.2 million euros.
Loans?
Not necessary.
Debts?
No longer exist since 2010.
“It speaks for the local council that it has managed well,” emphasizes Eirenschmalz.
Upgrade energy: The sewage treatment plant (picture) and the fire station are getting PV systems.
© S. Schauer
What always keeps the cash register ringing is, in addition to income from income tax, primarily from trade tax.
On average, around one million euros per year goes into the municipality's account.
Both, says Speer, are the most important sources of income.
“And we’ll get some business as well.” Rosy prospects.
The result of these developments: The municipality's tax capacity is even above the national average.
But this also means that the key allocation has not been at the same level as in previous years since 2023.
While it was still at 580,000 euros in 2022, it has now collapsed to 250,000 euros.
Actually a good sign because the community is on a healthy footing.
The treasurer names the disadvantage: “If you earn a lot of money, you have to give up a lot.”
A lot of money goes to the district
Give in - a word that is bringing beads of sweat to the foreheads of some of Speer's colleagues this year.
Due to the Garmisch-Partenkirchen Clinic's multi-million dollar deficit, the district and municipalities have to fill a huge financial hole.
The district levy is shooting up – from 50 to probably 55 percent.
Despite Saulgrub's reduced levy capacity, the district levy for the municipality remains at the previous year's high.
Eirenschmalz expects 1,208,300 euros, around 80,000 euros less than in 2023, but a chunk of money for a community of almost 2,000 residents.
This means that the community isn't hit as hard as some others, but the treasurer warns: In the coming year, the community could have to fleece its wallet more.
Numbers at a glance
Total budget:
6.8 million (million) euros (2023 approach: 5.5)
Administrative budget: 3.7 million euros (3.5)
Asset budget: 3.1 million euros (2.0) Trade tax
income
: 815,000 euros (Result 2023: 934,854)
Income tax: 1.1 million euros (1.0)
Key allocation: 250,500 euros (213,972) Personnel
expenses
: 710,050 euros (601,509)
District levy: 1.2 million euros (1. 2)
Administrative community levy: 280,250 euros (308,134)
Important investments:
Expansion of the Saulgrub kindergarten/nursery (part 1): 800,000 euros
Container daycare (rent 1st year and construction): 60,000 euros
Commercial area on the eastern outskirts of Altenau: 570,000 euros
Debts (as of December 31, 2024)
: 0 (0)
Reserves (as of December 31, 2024): 2.7 million euros (result: 4.0)