The Board will earmark 290,000 euros for the 2022-2026 management program next year. The five themes have been chosen as a result of discussions with residents, which the Municipal Executive has conducted in the past period.
Concerns about current energy prices often came up in those conversations. The municipality therefore wants to focus on reducing costs, regardless of the fact that the national government and the province come with support. “We will also submit a plan to the city council about energy poverty. But apart from that, we will also be fully committed to communication and improving it for the residents,” explains Jansen.
“We notice that they are insufficiently aware of what is possible. We also want to see how we can support or compensate people and associations who fall between the two. ).”
In the longer term, measures must also be taken, says Hartsuiker. “We have to get rid of natural gas in 2050, that also applies to Borger-Odoorn. That is an extremely difficult puzzle, but we do have to put it together. We want to make implementation plans with six districts during this administrative period on how to get rid of natural gas. No neighborhoods or solutions have yet been determined, that is completely open.”
In addition, the college wants to focus on housing construction. On average, fifty homes per year are to be added, spread over the various villages.
There is also a greater focus on supporting youth. “We saw a corona peak in youth care. It remains to be seen whether there will be a decrease. In addition, there is now financial stress among households. Where we hoped it would pick up, we see a different development,” says Huijing-Van Tongeren.
The municipality of Borger-Odoorn wants to delve into the so-called Icelandic prevention model, in which the municipality works together with schools and sports associations, among others, on healthy and happy young people.
The City Council will meet on November 3 to discuss the 2023 budget.