Mayors warn: Crisis in the Dachau district requires 100 million in savings!

Mayors warn: Crisis in the Dachau district requires 100 million in savings!

The financial situation in Bavaria's municipalities is tense and is causing lively discussions among the region's mayors. In an urgent appeal, the mayors of the Dachau district warned of the dangers that rising levies and deficits pose for municipal budgets. The increase in the district levy is highlighted as a particular concern. District Council President Thomas Schwarzenberger describes the current financial situation as a dangerous “cost avalanche” and warns that this will have a direct impact on the municipalities’ budgets. Loud donaukurier.de All 17 mayors from the region approached Schwarzenberger to draw attention to the critical situation.

Budgets are already under severe strain and further increases could jeopardize their ability to receive approval. There are also pending discussions about setting the district levy in the Dachau district, with almost all of the increased district levy being passed on to the communities expected. The municipalities not only bear the costs of their own administration, but also the financial deficits at higher levels. Although savings were achieved in the last two budget discussions, they are not enough - the mayors are calling for a comprehensive reform of social benefits, which cover over 95% of the district budget.

The numbers speak for themselves: the number of cases and costs in the social sector have increased by over 45% in the last four years. However, one bright spot is the announced increase in municipal financial equalization by the Free State of Bavaria for 2026. These additional funds could help to dampen the drastic increases in the district levy. The mayors are strongly committed to ensuring sustainable financial resources for municipalities from the federal and state governments. Their central demand is that savings of at least 100 million euros should be made in the district budget. The identified savings potential is currently around 15 million euros.

Financial equalization and municipal support

At the same time, the Bavarian state government, in cooperation with municipal associations, decided on municipal financial equalization for 2025. This amounts to an impressive 11.98 billion euros, which corresponds to an increase of 608.6 million euros compared to the previous year. The political negotiations were challenging, but based on mutual respect. Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann emphasized the great importance of solid local finances for the municipalities, cities, counties and districts in Bavaria. Loud bayern.de There will also be an increase in the municipal share of the general tax association from 12.75% to 13.0%.

Another step in the right direction is the introduction of additional funds to help district offices and other municipal institutions. 71 new positions will help the offices meet state requirements. Funding for hospitals and infrastructure also remains stable, which is seen as positive.

Long-term outlook and challenges

However, despite these positive developments, fundamental problems still need to be addressed. As Hubert Aiwanger, state chairman of the FREIEN WÄHLER, has announced, the municipal share of the tax association will continue to increase in the coming years. The share is expected to grow from 13.0% in 2026 to 13.3% and even to 13.5% by 2027. The goals are to cover increasing social spending without the municipalities having to make drastic cuts in investments. However, Aiwanger criticized the fact that the federal government does not have the necessary political strength to break the vicious circle of excessive welfare state spending.

The unanimous opinion of the mayors in the Dachau district is clear: there is an urgent need for sustainable reforms and improved financial resources for the municipalities in order to successfully master the challenges of the future.