Darmstadt praises the financial policy and investments of the city treasurer
André Schellenberg has served as city treasurer of the science city of Darmstadt for 15 years . To mark this anniversary, Mayor Hanno Benz and the city council have reviewed the most important milestones of his tenure. The focus has been on consolidating the city's finances, making substantial investments in infrastructure, and further developing the Darmstadt University Hospital.
When Schellenberg took office in 2011, Darmstadt was in a difficult financial situation. A consolidation plan and joining the Hessian financial stabilization program succeeded in stabilizing the city's finances. According to the city, between 2015 and 2022, it achieved balanced budgets or surpluses and was able to build up reserves.
Investments despite austerity measures
The financial stabilization enabled investments in numerous projects. These include, among others, the construction and renovation of schools, the daycare center renovation program, the modernization of fire stations, social housing construction, and the expansion of sports infrastructure, for example at the Nordbad swimming pool.
Changes were also implemented within the city administration under Schellenberg's leadership. These included expanding reporting and accounting systems, as well as increasing transparency in financial planning.
Hospital and crisis management
In addition to his duties as city treasurer, Schellenberg also served as head of the hospital department and chairman of the supervisory board of the Darmstadt Clinic. His tenure saw, among other things, the construction of the new clinic building, the acquisition of St. Rochus and Marienhospital hospitals, and the establishment of a joint holding company with the Elisabethenstift.
During the Corona pandemic, Schellenberg was also a member of the crisis team of the science city of Darmstadt.
Mayor Hanno Benz praised the work of his department head. Especially during financially challenging times, Schellenberg's expertise and collegial cooperation had significantly contributed to securing the city's room for maneuver.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/ho)
