Ammerland in front of tax drama: municipal health insurance companies threaten to empty!

Ammerland in front of tax drama: municipal health insurance companies threaten to empty!

In the Ammerland, citizens are facing challenging times. The financial situation of the district has forced the authorities to think about tax increases in order to cope with the oppressive financial bottlenecks. This reports the Nwzonline. Talks between the district administration and the mayors are already running, but largely in secret. The persistent financial tension makes more than clear that the coffers of the municipalities are empty.

Among other things, the hunger for money is due to the increasing tasks, which are determined by the legal requirements of the state, the federal government and the EU. In addition, massive cost increases in various areas and an increase in staffing have tightened the situation. The grants for public transport, which could reach over ten million euros in 2026, are particularly important. For 2026, even a household minus of around 20 million euros will be predicted, while the reserves of the district have shrunk from over 50 million euros in late 2023 to just over 30 million euros.

Focus on tax increases

An essential part of the new sources of income could be the increase in the circular levy, which is currently 34 percent. An increase of four to five percentage points is considered urgently necessary. This decision is the responsibility of the district council, whose members consist of various municipal council representatives. An example from Bad Zwischenahn illustrates the dimensions: a temporary point costs 460,000 euros, which would make up an additional 1.84 million euros per year with an increase of four points.

In Rastede there are already specific steps towards tax adjustments. Here you plan to raise the property tax by 67 points and the trade tax by 35 points. While trade tax revenues for 2025 are expected to be 18 million euros, it should already be over 23 million euros in 2026 - an increase of 28 percent. The increase in property tax would affect all residents and cost 35 euros per year. An increase in dog tax by almost 36 percent is also under discussion.

So far, the Wiefelsteder municipality has only created a financial statement, while other communities want to tackle the topic as part of their budget consultations for 2026. Despite the recognition of a savings potential, unpopular measures are imminent that will not always meet with great approval. In addition, the local elections in September 2026 could have a major impact on the final decisions.

Financial burdens in Nümbrecht

Another example of the tense financial situation is shown in Nümbrecht. Here, high social expenditure, rising energy costs, inflation and the increased circular levy are perceived as stressful for the local authorities. The treasurer Reiner Mast and Mayor Hilko Speechius provided in the Oberberg-Aktuell It is stated that a deficit of around 2.7 million euros and the following year is forecast a deficit of around two million euros. Nümbrecht is also in a household security concept, which results in financial surveillance through local authority.

The planned measures include an increase in property tax and a moderate increase in trade tax. Despite the plans, there are targets to generate equity again by 2031. This is to be achieved, among other things, by savings and tax increases.

The nationwide perspective

The location in Ammerland and Nümbrecht is not an isolated case. A nationwide look shows that the financial situation of the municipalities in Germany last year broke out across the board. The Bertelsmann Foundation reports on stagnating tax revenue due to the weak economy, while at the same time the expenses for personnel, factual expenditure and social affairs are growing. This not only questions the ability of the municipalities to act, but also exacerates the need for a fundamental reformed financing responsibility.

The upcoming development will show whether the municipalities are able to master their financial challenges or whether further, more profound measures are necessary to get local finances on course.