Budget debate in Ringelai: Strong investments, big challenges!

Budget debate in Ringelai: Strong investments, big challenges!

At a recent local council meeting in Ringelai, the budget for 2025 and the financial plan for the years 2024 to 2028 were discussed. The draft was developed by Lena Ketzinger from the treasury and presented to the committee. The administrative budget, which was already discussed in a previous Finance Committee meeting, was subsequently revised to meet current requirements. Local politicians devoted intensive attention to various aspects of the major financial plan designed for the coming years.

The focus of the meeting was particularly on the challenges of dealing with investments and the associated budget reductions. It is important to maintain the financial stability of the community while at the same time pushing ahead with necessary projects. With regard to the financial challenges, it was found that it is crucial to realistically assess all registrations from the specialist offices, as Stuttgart, for example, is faced with 1.2 billion euros in decided but not implemented projects.

Investments and financial support

A central point in the budget concerns the promotion and support of subsidiaries such as Stuttgart Services (SSB) and Stadtwerke in order to strengthen local public transport (ÖPNV). Measures for climate protection are also planned, with a significant portion of the funds being used to improve the structural integrity of schools. This includes new buildings as well as expansion and conversion measures in order to meet the growing requirements of educational institutions.

In addition, the expansion of daycare places and the renovation and modernization of cultural buildings are also being sought. According to reports, housing construction funding totaling 173 million euros is planned for the next two years, of which 150 million euros are planned as capital contributions for the municipal housing company SWSG. Considerable flat rates are also available for climate protection and environmental protection measures, which are to be implemented in the coming financial years.

Digitalization and infrastructure

Another focus is on the digitalization of the city administration. Another project that is anchored in the budget relates to the third stage of “Digital MoveS”, which is to be financed with a total of 125 million euros by 2028, of which 52 million euros are in the double budget. These measures are part of the long-term vision of developing Stuttgart into a smart city.

The preservation and revitalization of the city's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, cycle paths and the so-called blue infrastructure with fountains and water features, also contributes to increasing the city's attractiveness. Mayor Thomas Fuhrmann emphasized the challenge of integrating additional projects into the existing budget, especially given the financial constraints.

The adoption of the budget is an important step in securing the current and future projects of the municipality and the city while at the same time keeping the financial framework under control. The challenges of investment measures and the corresponding budget management must be urgently addressed to ensure positive development for the next few years.