1,554 signatures for withdrawal - city refers to household constraints
On July 1, 2025, a petition of the Primary Tax Initiative City of Griesheim handed over to the city administration. The petition, which recorded 1,554 signatures, calls for the increase in the increase in property tax rates decided in the spring. Mayor Verfa Krebs-Wetzl expressed understanding of the criticism, but emphasized the financial necessity of the measure.
Mayor: "Stress necessary for infrastructure"
"I have great understanding that the increase in property tax is a burden for many citizens. But ultimately the financial reality forces us to take this step," said Krebs-Wetzl. The city must provide streets, daycare centers, water supply and further infrastructure. These services cannot be financed without income from property tax.
Two steps: reform and increase
The increase in property tax in Griesheim is based on two developments:
- Property tax reform 2024: In the course of the nationwide reform, new evaluation bases were introduced. Hesse then released income -neutral lifting rate recommendations. The city council decided on September 12, 2024: 913 percentage points for property tax A and 949 for property tax B. The reform led to a redistribution: While some owners pay more, many citizens have lower taxes.
- Household-related increase in the increase in the increase in the amount of the budget: On May 22, 2025, the city parliament also decided to increase the property tax rates retrospectively at the beginning of the year-to 1,260 percentage points for property tax A and 1,290 for property tax B. This brings additional income to the city and was necessary to secure household equalization.
Griesheim's budget situation: millions of 2025
Mayor Krebs-Wetzl had already presented the 2025 budget in February. Despite increasing trade tax revenue, there was a cover gap of around 2.8 million euros. The reasons: high infrastructure costs, rising personnel costs, inadequate state funds for childcare and higher district levies. The defendant originally forecast was EUR 13.6 million.
The deficit reduces an extensive savings package, which provides for cuts in personnel and projects, among other things. Nevertheless, according to the city administration, an increase in property tax was essential because a non -balanced budget is not approved. The budget was decided on March 27, 2025 and approved by the local authority on June 18.
External advice and no relaxation in sight
The city of Griesheim is currently working with external support on further consolidation measures. However, financial relief from the federal or state is not foreseeable. For the years 2026 and 2027, the city therefore continues to expect difficult budget negotiations and possible cuts in urban services.
Further information on the household of the city of Griesheim 2025 is at:
www.griesheim.de - Interactive budget
Contribution image: Presentation of a petition against increasing property tax. Photo: City of Griesheim
(Griesheim - Red/PSG)
