3 million euros is left over from support for the reception of Ukrainians. Received almost 6 million euros more from The Hague than expected. These are the two main reasons why the municipality of Meppel saved 15.9 million euros last year. She is expected to be more than 900,000 euros short this year.
For the reception of Ukrainian refugees, each municipality receives a contribution per refugee, for which the reception must be realized. The costs for the shelter are lower for Meppel than the contribution she receives for this. Meppel is left with more than 3 million euros. No agreements have been made with The Hague to repay this money. More than 300 refugees from Ukraine are being received in Meppel in the former hospital of Isala.
Much of the money Meppel has left over comes from The Hague. Because in addition to the 3 million euros for the reception of Ukrainian refugees, almost 6 million euros more was received from the municipal fund. All municipalities receive money from the government from this pot, and they are free to decide for themselves what they spend this money on.
Nevertheless, the municipality reacts cautiously. “Of course we are very pleased that we have money left over in 2022. However, this is mainly due to incidental income,” says alderman Klaas de Vries, who is in charge of finances.
Meppel recently drew up a financial action plan to put the finances in order. Meppel has hardly any reserves to absorb blows. And the municipality intends to save more instead of borrowing money. For example, she spends three million euros annually on repaying interest on loans.
“Meppel is a municipality with ambitions. In order to grow, we have to invest in our facilities for sports, education and infrastructure, among other things. Not everything is possible and certainly not at the same time,” says De Vries. And in the near future a lot of tasks await Meppel. Before the summer, the city council will probably take a decision on a thorough renovation of the Ogterop theatre. If that continues, the costs are currently estimated at more than 20 million euros.
The pool is also in need of replacement. Options are new construction or renovation, but it is expected that this will also cost at least 10 million. And recently it became clear that 7.5 million euros are needed for the renovation of the town hall. In addition, the housing market, the energy issue and the costs of youth care are rising every year.