Réiserbann

About the 2024 Rectified Budget and the 2025 Provisional Budget of the Majority

The discussion surrounding the 2024 rectified budget and the 2025 provisional budget reflects the priorities and decisions made by the current majority. These budgets provide insight into how the municipality plans to manage its finances, tackle current challenges, and prepare for future developments.

Here’s an overview of the key points:

1. Debt and Financial Strategy
   • The municipality’s debt is notably high, with approximately €46.5 million total debt, translating to €6,600 per capita.
   • The high debt level raises concerns, especially since Roeser’s regular income is not as substantial as that of other municipalities.
   • While infrastructure investments are necessary, they should ideally reduce future expenses. However, there are doubts about whether the projects are being planned with sufficient foresight.
2. Major Investments and Projects
   • Significant funds are being allocated for major projects, including:
     • Expansion of the wastewater treatment plant (€6 million).
     • Construction of a new sports hall in Berchem.
     • Renovation of recently acquired properties.
   • The purchase of numerous properties in 2024 has sparked debate, with concerns about high costs and unclear plans for their use.
3. Planning Concerns
   • The new school in Berchem already required expansion after just two years, raising questions about long-term planning.
   • The Hierschterbierg master plan lacks a comprehensive vision, with calls for proactive, sustainable solutions, similar to those implemented in other municipalities like Wiltz.
4. Environmental and Sustainable Measures
   • The Greens emphasize the importance of ecological architecture and sustainable materials, particularly for the Berchem sports hall.
   • Efforts to improve soft mobility and traffic calming measures are seen as insufficiently prioritized in the budget.
5. Criticism of Execution and Communication
   • There is frustration over poorly managed construction sites and inadequate safety measures.
   • Issues like temporary barriers blowing into the streets during storms point to a lack of effective problem-solving.
6. Positive Developments
   • The establishment of new children’s and community services, as well as progress in energy transitions and LED technology upgrades, is recognized.
   • Achieving level 3 in the Climate Pact is a notable milestone.
7. Position of the Greens
   • While the Greens acknowledge the positive aspects of the budget, they remain critical of the high debt levels and inconsistent actions of the majority.
   • Consequently, the Greens have decided to abstain from voting on both the 2024 rectified budget and the 2025 provisional budget.

Conclusion
The budgets highlight both promising initiatives and areas of concern. As the municipality moves forward, it remains crucial to balance ambitious investments with careful financial management and sustainable planning.