Ettringen in transition: new mayor, financial focus and commercial projects!

Ettringen in transition: new mayor, financial focus and commercial projects!

In an intensive information session, Mayor Robert Sturm informed the citizens of Ettringen about municipal politics and the current financial challenges in three citizens' meetings. Despite the summer heat, many interested people found their way to the meetings. Sturm, who will not run again next year after 30 years in office, announced that he would leave his successor orderly finances and two major projects.

A central issue was the uncertainty surrounding the financial impact of the planned closure of the UPM paper mill in Ettringen, which is scheduled to be finalized by July 2025. This measure will mean a capacity reduction of 270,000 tonnes of uncoated paper and put 235 jobs at risk at the site. The possible consequences for municipal finances are currently unclear, but UPM's actions, initiated by the need to increase efficiency and competitiveness, also affect municipal revenues.

Budget planning in focus

The budget for 2024 provides for an administrative budget of 6.7 million euros and an asset budget of 2.3 million euros. For 2025, the municipality is cautiously planning for trade tax revenue of 600,000 euros. In the current year, trade tax revenue was recorded at 353,848 euros, while there is a forecast of 1.7 million euros for 2024. Income tax revenue recently remained at 2.3 million euros.

Sturm emphasized the urgency of establishing new commercial businesses in the community and announced the designation of new commercial areas. This is particularly relevant as the municipality is planning a debt-free transition, but borrowing is required for 2025.

Investments and challenges

Another large project is the construction of a new kindergarten in Siebnach, the cost of which will be over five million euros, two thirds of which will remain with the municipality. The kindergarten will have space for 124 children and 24 crèche places. The municipality has also acquired the former Krone economy, which could potentially be used as a new town hall or service center.

Citizens have also suggested the construction of a cooperatively run community center. However, Mayor Sturm pointed out that such projects require a large number of helpers and that one should warn against excessive expectations.

The financial conditions and the planned structures are examples of the challenges that the municipality of Ettringen will be faced with in the coming years. The municipal authorities must not only keep an eye on the financial interests of the municipality, but also ensure the social interests of the citizens and future economic stability.

For further details on the closure of the UPM paper mill and its impact on the region, see reporting by UPM Communication Papers. You can find more information about community politics at Augsburg General.