Choosing quality and stability

Dutch municipalities face major challenges in the coming years. The revenue municipalities receive from the national government is being structurally reduced by billions. At the same time, the challenges in various policy areas are substantial, and municipalities are facing additional requirements. Furthermore, the costs of materials and personnel are rising. The municipality West Maas en Waal is West Maas en Waal dealing with these issues. Alderman Slootweg: “We now have a balanced budget for 2025. To achieve this, we had to make choices. We opted for measures that have the least possible impact on the community.”

Key considerations

Evert-Jan Slootweg: “We took a critical look at our plans and goals: Are they realistic? Are they necessary? What happens if we don’t do them? Ultimately, this led to a set of measures. As a municipality, we have three levers we can pull. We can adjust our ambitions and plans, we can cut costs on current operations, and finally, we can raise local taxes. Providing quality services to our residents and businesses will remain a top priority in the coming year as well.”

Property taxes remain the lowest in the region 

“We have no choice but to raise local taxes as well. Property tax will increase by an average of 45 euros: from 361 euros to 406 euros. Even with this increase, our property tax rates will still be the lowest in the region. We are well aware that this will have consequences for our residents. However, this is necessary to continue providing good services to our residents and to properly carry out additional statutory duties. omgevingswet , the implementation of the omgevingswet requires additional capacity from the municipality,” said Evert-Jan Slootweg.

Developing various scenarios

“As executive board , our guiding principle executive board a financially sound West Maas en Waal. We are proud to present a balanced budget for 2025. This is by no means a given, as we are facing ever-rising costs, particularly in healthcare. On top of that, starting in 2026, we will receive significantly less funding from the national government. That is why, following the budget debate, we as executive board will engage executive board discussions with the council to develop various scenarios aimed at achieving a structurally balanced budget. We will incorporate the results of these discussions into the 2025 Spring Memorandum,” concludes Alderman Slootweg.

Municipal council to act Municipal council

The budget has been submitted to the municipal council. The council will make a decision at its meeting on November 6, .