Positive results in 2024, with financially challenging years ahead
The Municipality West Maas en Waal the year 2024 with a positive result. Significant achievements were made over the past year. Although last year ended on a positive note, the coming years will be marked by financial challenges. Making difficult choices will be unavoidable.
Great results achieved
“As executive board , we look back executive board pride on the results we achieved last year,” says Evert Jan Slootweg, Alderman . “For example, we received certification as a dementia-friendly municipality, we are well on track with housing construction, three climate buffers have been created, an exercise garden has been built, many roads have been repaired and redesigned, and we have taken important steps toward resident participation.”
Looking Ahead: Concerns About Government Funding and Rising Costs
Like all municipalities, West Maas en Waal is also facing West Maas en Waal challenging years ahead. If the municipality does not take action, the deficits will rise significantly in the coming years. This is mainly because the national government is providing less funding while costs are actually rising, particularly in the Social Support Act (Wmo) and youth care. Evert Jan Slootweg explains: “The responsibilities assigned to us as a municipality are out of proportion to the funding we receive from the national government. Although the national government has promised a subsidy, it is absolutely insufficient to cover the financial deficit. This means that budget cuts are inevitable. We have taken a very critical look at our own expenditures. We have carefully weighed all possible cost-cutting measures and their social impacts. At the same time, we must also ask our residents to contribute by raising taxes,” said the Alderman. “That’s not easy, but unfortunately it’s an absolute necessity.”
Remaining committed to a future-ready municipality
In November, the Council will decide on the final set of budget measures. By then, it will also be clear how much funding the national government will actually make available. Despite these pressures, the municipality continues to invest. Evert Jan Slootweg continues: “Despite the necessary budget cuts, the municipality remains fully committed to providing quality services to our residents. We also want to tackle waiting lists in healthcare. And we’ll keep investing in facilities, roads, and initiatives. Think, for example, of the redevelopment of Baltussenplein and Dorpsstraat, as well as housing projects. In any case, we’ll keep working toward a strong, future-proof municipality.”
Municipal council to act Municipal council
The 2024 annual financial statements and the 2025 Spring Report will be presented to the municipal council. The Spring Report provides insight into the municipality’s financial situation, recent developments, and plans for the coming years. The council will make a decision on this matter at its meeting on July 3.