Around 75 participants are discussing property tax, the fire station, and municipal expenditures in Erfelden
The strained financial situation of the town of Riedstadt dominated the public meeting with Mayor Marcus Kretschmann in Erfelden. Around 75 people attended the meeting at the fire station. The main focus was the approved increase in property tax B from 1,105 to 1,600 points. Other topics included the planned central fire station, street improvement fees, and the development of the cemeteries.
Kretschmann explained that, in his view, a large portion of the city's expenditures could only be influenced to a limited extent by the municipality. He cited the district and school levies of €27.83 million and personnel costs of approximately €23 million.
Childcare and staff costs
The costs of childcare were also addressed. When asked whether staff reductions were possible given the declining number of children, Kretschmann referred to the regularly updated childcare needs assessment.
From next year onwards, there will no longer be a municipal after-school care center, as the centers in Erfelden and Leeheim will then be operated by the district. This will also result in a reduction of municipal staff in this area.
According to the mayor, budgetary consultations with the Hessian Ministry of the Interior also revealed that Riedstadt manages its tasks with fewer staff than comparable municipalities. However, negotiated pay increases have further increased personnel costs.
Central fire station not a direct driver of property tax
The planned central fire station for the Erfelden and Goddelau fire departments. Kretschmann contradicted the assumption that the project was a major reason for the increase in property tax B. The investment would be handled through the capital budget; interest payments and loan repayments would affect the operating budget.
The existing fire stations in Erfelden and Goddelau are in need of renovation and are too small. According to the mayor, the technical inspection service has already shut down the clothing depot in Erfelden and the breathing apparatus workshop in Goddelau.
The planned new building is to be constructed between the K156 and the B44 in Goddelau. It will also house the district's disaster relief vehicles and a German Red Cross (DRK) ambulance station. The district will pay rent for these facilities. A state subsidy is also expected. According to Kretschmann, Riedstadt's share of €7.86 million from the first tranche of the special fund for infrastructure and climate protection be used for the project.
According to Kretschmann, more than 250 volunteer firefighters belong to the Riedstadt fire departments. Without this volunteer commitment, the city would have to employ 54 full-time firefighters, he stated.
The abolition of street maintenance fees is causing discussion
The abolition of street improvement fees, decided by the city council, was also discussed. In this context, property tax B was increased by 120 points.
One participant criticized the new regulation, pointing out that property owners who had paid development fees had not been charged street improvement fees for years. Kretschmann explained that he himself had spoken out against abolishing the fees.
According to him, concrete effects are already evident on Kühkopfstraße. The dilapidated sewer line there needs to be replaced. Originally, the plan was to create a traffic-calmed zone as part of the work on the daycare center. Due to a lack of funds, it is currently unclear to what extent this plan can be implemented.
Burial methods in cemeteries
Another topic discussed was the cemeteries in Riedstadt. When asked about a grove of trees for urn burials in Erfelden, the mayor referred to the existing cemetery plan. Such a burial option currently exists in Leeheim.
According to Kretschmann, the most frequently chosen form of burial in Riedstadt is the columbarium. Since earth burials are becoming less common, some unused grave plots have been converted into public green spaces. Their upkeep is therefore no longer financed through cemetery fees, which must be calculated to cover costs.
(RIEDSTADT – RED/PSR)
Featured image: During an inspection in March 2025, members of the building committee were impressed by the poor condition of the fire stations in Goddelau and Erfelden. Shown here is water damage in the Erfelden fire station. Photo: City of Riedstadt
