Pfaffenhofen will soon elect a full-time mayor – a historic turning point!

Pfaffenhofen will soon elect a full-time mayor – a historic turning point!

Something exciting is happening in Pfaffenhofen, the smallest community in the Dachau district with just 2,338 inhabitants. Honorary mayor Helmut Zech, who was re-elected on March 15, 2020, has experienced an interesting turn in his term of office. The Bavarian state government has adjusted its rules, thereby opening the door for smaller municipalities to elect a full-time mayor. That’s unique and courageous! Mercury reports that the local council voted unanimously to elect a full-time mayor from May 2026.

The decision was not made by chance. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find volunteer mayors who meet the complex requirements of a modern office. The resolution, which is based on the changed Bavarian municipal code, came into force at the beginning of 2024 and also enables municipalities with fewer than 2,500 inhabitants to appoint a full-time mayor. In the past this was only reserved for larger communities.

Complexity of the tasks

The Dachau district office describes the decision for a full-time mayor as appropriate and timely. "The tasks have changed significantly in recent years. You simply need someone who can fully concentrate on them," says Second Mayor Harald Mang, who clearly confirms the assessment. The allowance for volunteers in Pfaffenhofen varies between 2,246 euros and 3,850 euros gross. That's quite an extensive spectrum!

According to the Bavarian Municipal Association, in 2020 there was already a preponderance of full-time mayors in municipalities with 2,001 to 3,000 inhabitants. Against this background, the number of full-time mayors is expected to continue to rise. Maximilian Sertl, also from the Bavarian Municipal Association, recommends making the decision for a mayor step by step: First define the requirements profile, then check the feasibility and finally clarify the financial aspects.

A new wind for Pfaffenhofen

For the municipality of Pfaffenhofen, this step not only means an adjustment to the legal requirements, but also a departure into a new era. “This will help us to better meet the challenges of the future,” says Mayor Zech. The willingness of the local council to make this decision unanimously shows that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

The development is part of a global trend in which smaller communities are trying to do justice to their citizens and face growing challenges. However, it remains to be seen how these changes will specifically affect the organization and administration of the city. One thing is clear: Pfaffenhofen switches to the main office counter and there is something going on!