Struggling Vorpommern-Greifswald Decreases District Tax Amidst Severe Financial Gaps
Urge to Lower Communal Charges - Appeal for Assistance from Vorpommern-Greifswald - Commission has opted for a reduction in the count
In a surprising move, the district of Vorpommern-Greifswwald is planning to lower the municipal district tax, despite facing a significant budget deficit. This levy is essential for funding public services such as transportation, district roads, and further education schools.
The proposed decrease will see the rate fall from the current 48.5% to 44.0%, potentially easing the financial burden on municipalities in the district by 14.1 million euros. Regrettably, the district itself is grappling with a hefty budget shortfall of 74 million euros this year.
A Plea for Aid from Higher Authorities
Vorpommern-Greifswald currently boasts the highest municipal district tax in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Even after the proposed reduction, it will remain high, though it will draw closer to the rates of neighboring districts such as Ludwigslust-Parchim (42.5%), Nordwestmecklenburg (41%), and the district of Mecklenburgische Seenplatte (43.3%).
The district administrator of Vorpommern-Greifswald, Michael Sack (CDU), has reached out to both the state and federal governments, pleading for assistance. "The economic situation is dire, and districts and municipalities are chronically underfunded," he said. "It's unjust for the burdens upon municipalities to continue increasing alongside their financial constraints." He implores the federal and state governments to step in and address the issue. The district cites mandatory tasks in the youth and social services sectors as pressing examples.
- Vorpommern-Greifswald
- Greifswald
- Municipality
- Vorpommern
- Fiscal Struggles
- District of Vorpommern-Greifswald
- Michael Sack
While details on the district's strategic objectives and specific calls for help to higher authorities remain scarce at this time, this move could possibly signal an attempt to stimulate economic growth within the district or alleviate financial pressures on residents and businesses. Concurrently, reports of market uncertainties affecting local companies, such as HanseYachts situated in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, hint at broader economic challenges facing the region.
The Commission has also examined the possibility of granting aid to the following undertakings: the district of Vorpommern-Greifswald, which is struggling with severe financial gaps, and the businesses in its jurisdiction that may be affected by fiscal uncertainties, such as HanseYachts. The plea for aid from higher authorities, led by district administrator Michael Sack, is not only in response to the district's financial crisis but also to address the general-news issue of chronically underfunded municipalities in politics.
