The city council approves the budget and increases property tax B to 1,600 points
The Riedstadt city council, in its meeting on June 25th, approved the budget for 2026 and the investment program. At the same time, the council passed a new tax rate ordinance, which includes an increase in property tax B.
The budget was adopted with 19 votes in favor (CDU, Greens, Free Voters, and parts of the BfR) against 11 votes against (SPD, AfD, and one representative of the BfR). Following a roll-call vote, the city councilors also passed a joint compromise proposal from the CDU, Greens, and Free Voters regarding the property tax rate bylaw, with the same result.
Property tax rises to 1,600 points
Following the decision, the property tax rate B will increase from 1,105 to 1,600 points on January 1, 2026 .
Mayor Marcus Kretschmann had originally proposed an increase to 1,850 points . According to the city, this was intended to ensure an approvable budget given the tight financial situation.
The compromise now adopted includes a smaller tax increase as well as a hiring freeze. The childcare sector is exempt. The main, finance, and economic affairs committee (HFW) can decide on exceptions in other areas on a case-by-case basis upon request.
deficit in the ordinary budget
The ordinary operating budget for 2026 shows revenues of approximately €70.7 million and expenditures of approximately €71.7 million . This results in a deficit of €948,099.
In contrast, an extraordinary result of approximately €2.75 million expected. This is based, among other things, on planned real estate sales with proceeds of around €3.7 million.
Agreement on after-school care
The city council unanimously approved the settlement of accounts for after-school care with the Groß-Gerau district. For the 2026/27 school year, Riedstadt will invoice the district €295,000 for care provided at the Erfelden and Leeheim locations.
Furthermore, rent will be charged for the after-school care building in Goddelau, which has been used free of charge until now. This will amount to €17,560 in 2026 and will increase to €42,144 annually.
The background is the takeover of all-day care at schools by the Groß-Gerau district starting next autumn.
(RIEDSTADT – RED/PSR)
