ADVERTISING
1,554 signatures for reversal – city cites budgetary constraints
On July 1, 2025, a petition from the Griesheim Property Tax Initiative submitted to the city administration. The petition, which garnered 1,554 signatures, demands the reversal of the property tax rate increase decided upon in the spring. Mayor Geza Krebs-Wetzl expressed understanding for the criticism but emphasized the financial necessity of the measure.
Mayor: "Strength necessary for infrastructure"
“I fully understand that the increase in property tax is a burden for many citizens. But ultimately, financial reality forces us to take this step,” explained Krebs-Wetzl. The city must provide roads, daycare centers, water supply, and other infrastructure. These services are not financially viable without revenue from property taxes.
Two steps: Reform and increase
The increase in property tax in Griesheim is based on two developments:
- Property tax reform 2024: As part of the nationwide reform, new valuation criteria were introduced. Hesse subsequently issued income-neutral tax rate recommendations. The city council approved these 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 property owners pay more, many citizens have lower taxes.
- Budget-related increase in property tax rates: On May 22, 2025, the city council additionally decided on an increase in the property tax rates retroactive to the beginning of the year – to 1,260 percentage points for property tax A and 1,290 for property tax B. This brings the city approximately 2.8 million euros in additional revenue and was necessary to ensure a balanced budget.
Griesheim's budget situation: Million-euro deficit in 2025
Back in February, Mayor Krebs-Wetzl presented the 2025 budget. Despite rising business tax revenues, a funding gap of approximately €2.8 million remained. The reasons: high infrastructure costs, rising personnel costs, insufficient state funding for childcare, and higher district levies. The originally projected shortfall was €13.6 million.
A comprehensive austerity package, including cuts in staff and projects, reduces the deficit by approximately 3 million euros. Nevertheless, according to the city administration, a property tax increase was unavoidable, as an unbalanced budget cannot be approved. The budget was adopted on March 27, 2025, and approved by the municipal supervisory authority on June 18.
External consultation and no relief in sight
The city of Griesheim is currently working with external support on further consolidation measures. However, financial relief from the federal or state government is not foreseeable. Therefore, the city anticipates continued difficult budget negotiations and potential cuts in municipal services for 2026 and 2027.
Further information on the City of Griesheim's 2025 budget can be found at:
www.griesheim.de – Interactive Budget
Featured image: Handing over a petition against the increase in property tax. Photo: City of Griesheim
(GRIESHEIM – RED/PSG)
