District administrator hands over budget decree
Beckum budget approved
The financial situation of cities and municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia is tense across the board. The town of Beckum is also expecting an annual deficit of around 10 million euros for 2025, which it will be able to cover from the equalisation reserve.
In recent years, the annual financial statements have generally turned out better than planned. For example, the city of Beckum was able to increase the equalisation reserve after the 2023 annual financial statements and is expected to have to withdraw around 2.2 million euros less than budgeted in the 2024 annual result.
The city of Beckum is also expecting negative annual results for the coming years, which could deplete the equalisation reserve in the medium term. In addition, the city of Beckum is planning considerable investments, which will be financed by loans. The interest burden will have an impact on future budget planning.
"The municipalities are structurally underfunded by the federal and state governments. Despite solid budget planning, the town of Beckum is also feeling the effects of this and is having to draw on its reserves," said District Administrator Dr Olaf Gericke at the presentation of the budget decree in the district hall.
"There are no concerns from the municipal supervisory authority for 2025 and the budget bylaws can be published," explains district treasurer Dr Stefan Funke.
Major goals in the coming years
Mayor Michael Gerdhenrich: "Despite difficult conditions, we are pursuing major goals for the coming years. Investment priorities will include the modernisation and expansion of the Beckum school landscape and the construction of the new fire and rescue station in Beckum. So even in challenging times, we are not cutting corners. However, in order to be able to successfully fulfil our tasks in the future, an urgent improvement in funding from the federal and state governments is required."