The city is participating in the nationwide day of action on the municipal financial crisis
The science city of Darmstadt participated in the nationwide day of action "Municipalities at the Limit" and, together with numerous cities, towns, and districts, drew attention to the strained financial situation of local authorities. Mayor Hanno Benz and City Treasurer André Schellenberg participated on Monday (22nd) with a poster campaign in the new town hall foyer in the city center.
With the message "Save the municipalities," they drew attention to what they see as the ongoing structural underfunding of cities and towns. The city also provided information about the financial situation of municipalities on its website and social media channels, calling on the federal and state governments to ensure better funding.
City criticizes growing burdens
According to the city, the federal and state governments are constantly transferring new responsibilities to municipalities without adequate financial compensation. The city cites the financing of the public health service and language support in daycare centers as examples.
Furthermore, costs in various social sectors have risen significantly in recent years. For example, expenditures for accommodation and heating costs under the German Social Code II increased from €35.74 million in 2015 to €53.8 million. The levy paid to the state welfare association rose from €35.3 million to €65 million during the same period.
According to the city, transfer payments in the youth welfare sector saw particularly strong growth. These increased from €22.29 million to €64.6 million, almost tripling in size.
The budget remains strained
The city emphasizes the importance of social services for participation and inclusion. At the same time, however, municipalities must bear a large share of the rising costs. Expenditures for care, healthcare, and the implementation of the legal entitlement to all-day care at primary schools are also straining municipal budgets.
The current biennial budget for 2025/2026 of the city of Darmstadt projects a deficit of 31 million euros for the year 2026. The Darmstadt Regional Council described the city's financial capacity as "significantly limited" in its budget approval.
Appeal to the federal and state governments
City treasurer André Schellenberg is therefore calling for better financial resources for municipalities.
"The federal and state governments must ensure adequate funding and a fair distribution of the burden. Those who want strong municipalities must also provide them with the necessary resources," said Schellenberg.
Mayor Hanno Benz emphasizes the importance of local authorities for people's daily lives: "In cities and towns, people experience politics directly in their everyday lives. A reduction in municipal services and offerings leads to a loss of trust in the state and ultimately in democracy. We need strong local authorities – they are the foundation of our society."
The "Municipalities at the Limit" day of action was organized by the leading municipal associations. Several hundred municipalities across Germany participated in the initiative.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip/acl)
Featured image: “Municipalities at their limit”: Mayor Hanno Benz (left) and City Treasurer André Schellenberg participate on behalf of the City of Darmstadt in the nationwide day of action to solve the municipal financial crisis. Photo: City of Darmstadt
