Midden-Drenthe warns that it will have to tighten its belt in the coming years. From 2026 onwards, the municipality’s budget will decline.
Until 2025, municipalities will still receive a fair amount of money from the government, but from 2026 this income will decrease drastically. “This is also called the financial ravine. To what extent the municipality is accommodated depends on the new cabinet that is formed after the elections,” writes the municipal council of Midden-Drenthe.
“In the meantime, the municipality is allowing as many investments as possible to continue, but preparations are also being made to remain a social and enterprising municipality with fewer resources from 2026.”
According to councilor Jan Schipper (CDA), road maintenance in particular will be a major cost item. A number of roads are awaiting thorough renovation. “An extra layer of asphalt has been sufficient in recent years. But more needs to be done now.”
This includes De Verlengde Middenraai in Nieuw Balinge and Steegde/Oosterseveldweg near Spier. The municipality also wants to keep the existing village halls afloat, partly by offering help in making the buildings more sustainable.
Mayor Jan Zwiers describes the current situation as turbulent. “After the corona crisis, we find ourselves in a world with unstable relations, partly as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine.”
He continues: “The municipality is committed to providing shelter to the various target groups that need it. This applies to both our own residents and people who flee from various regions of the world, including from war violence.”
The city council will discuss the budget on Thursday, November 9.