Decreasing Circle Volume Remains Consistent
Rhein-Kreis Neuss, a district in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has unveiled its 2023 budget, which aims to address rising energy and consumer prices, increasing social costs due to refugees from Ukraine, and climate protection. The budget, scheduled for approval by the county council on March 29, has been recommended by the Finance Committee of Rhein-Kreis Neuss.
The budget sources from a variety of funding methods, including an expected dividend, isolation of pandemic expenses, and reduced pension contributions. Notably, financing for several climate-related and social initiatives will come from an expected dividend payment of €870,000 from Sparkasse Neuss.
In the realm of climate protection, the budget allocates funds for renewable energy integration, green infrastructure, and sustainable transportation. For instance, €50,000 will be invested in a photovoltaic system on district-owned landfill sites, and a funding program for plug-and-play photovoltaic systems will be set up using funds from the global climate protection budget. Additionally, €500,000 has been allocated in the budget for the exchange of older heating systems and the installation of bivalent systems in district-owned buildings.
Affordable housing is another key focus area. The budget includes €10,000 for a specialist forum addressing affordable housing for all population segments, and €50,000 for a master plan to create a comprehensive charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Moreover, measures such as subsidized housing programs, inclusionary zoning, and housing renovation projects could be implemented to make housing more affordable and energy-efficient.
Skilled workforce development is another priority. Measures to secure skilled workers will be strengthened, with a promotional campaign for training as a paramedic and educator planned, for which €20,000 will be available. Additionally, €150,000 has been allocated for training opportunities for employees affected by the phase-out of coal-fired power generation. Vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and education partnerships will also be key to developing a skilled workforce in emerging industries like technology and renewable energy.
A "Day of Care" will be offered, with €30,000 allocated for its implementation, to make the importance and range of opportunities in this field tangible. The tax rate, if approved by the county council, will be at its lowest level since 1987, with a decrease of 0.5 percentage points from the previous year.
The budget also includes provisions for pandemic-related expenses and measures to support those affected by the phase-out of coal-fired power generation. Consumption-related expenses from political requests in the budget are expected to be around €1.5 million. A balanced budget will be achieved through a €4.2 million withdrawal from the equalization reserve.
In conclusion, the 2023 budget of Rhein-Kreis Neuss is a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the district while promoting sustainable development, affordable housing, and skilled workforce development. The budget is set to be approved by the county council on March 29.
The budget sources from various funding methods, including an expected dividend, isolation of pandemic expenses, and reduced pension contributions, with a significant portion of financing coming from an expected dividend payment of €870,000 from Sparkasse Neuss for climate-related and social initiatives.
For climate protection, the budgetallocates funds for renewable energy integration, green infrastructure, and sustainable transportation, with €50,000 earmarked for a photovoltaic system on district-owned landfill sites and a funding program for plug-and-play photovoltaic systems using funds from the global climate protection budget.
