Schwerin (dpa/mv) - According to Mayor Rico Badenschier (SPD), debt relief in the state capital Schwerin, which has been planned for several years, will become more difficult. The risks included long-term high energy prices, higher interest rates, a deficit in local transport, increasing social security expenses and further economic development, said Badenschier on Wednesday when the draft for the 2023/2024 double budget was presented.
"With the budget result for 2021, we are slightly ahead of the plan for the budget security concept. That will help us in the next two years," explained Badenschier. "Our cash advances have fallen from 164 million euros in 2016 to under 120 million euros in 2021." He emphasized that the administration is sticking to the debt relief course. "With the proposed budget, we can reduce another 25 million euros."
Nevertheless, investments should be made at a high level, as it was also said. 76.7 million euros are planned for the coming year and 70.9 million euros in 2024. The focus is on education, infrastructure and digitization. Among other things, the construction of a new vocational training center is to start in 2024. Borrowings totaling around EUR 57 million for the two financial years are necessary for the investments.
An increase in the staff of the city administration is planned: in the coming year the number of positions is to be 1096 and then 1099 in 2024. Among other things, 13 honorary employees of the conservatory are to be given permanent positions. A further eight of the new positions are for the fire brigade and rescue service and six for the immigration authorities.
