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MTK district invests 35 million euros in schools despite budget deficit!
Main-Taunus-Kreis is planning high investments in schools and education in 2026 despite a deficit of 14.5 million euros.
MTK district invests 35 million euros in schools despite budget deficit!
Despite a budget deficit of around 14.5 million euros, the Main-Taunus district is investing heavily in education for 2026. A total of 35 million euros are planned for school construction next year, as fnp.de reports. These investments are anything but a drop in the ocean: the district's planned income for 2026 amounts to 659.25 million euros, while expenses increase to 673.75 million euros. This makes the school levy, which is to be increased from 17.66 to 19.07 percentage points, unavoidable.
One reason for this increase is the increasing number of students and the newly introduced legal right to care for school children, which will take effect in 2026. This not only increases the number of children cared for, but also the need for staff. The Main-Taunus district has already taken over the majority of primary school care, which underlines the need for further investment.
Planned investments
A total of 59.4 million euros is earmarked for the school sector, an increase compared to 44 million euros in 2025. The largest single investment is a new primary school in Hattersheim, which will cost a total of 38 million euros. Other significant projects include the expansion of the Sindlinger Wiesen elementary school in Kelkheim for 17.7 million euros and the expansion of the Burgschule Eppstein, which is estimated at 17.5 million euros.
These expenses do not leave their mark on the district budget. The loan requirement for the 2026 budget is estimated at 58.1 million euros, while net new debt is expected to reach 30.5 million euros, compared to 13 million euros in 2025. The burdens on the budget also include debt service for clinics at 8.9 million euros as well as loss compensation at the Rhein-Main landfill and the Main-Taunus-Verkehrsgesellschaft.
Outlook and challenges
The municipal umbrella organizations predict that the deficits in municipal budgets could grow to over 35 billion euros. Against this background, it will be important for those responsible in the Main-Taunus district to examine savings in voluntary services and filling positions. But the prospect of a passed budget remains positive. The draft budget will be discussed in the committees soon, and the decision in the district council is scheduled for December 15th.
In summary, it can be said that the Main-Taunus district is investing with a clear focus on education and the future, even if the financial challenges cannot be overlooked. This is a step in the right direction to strengthen the educational location even in times of financial bottlenecks.