Positive results in 2024, with financially challenging years ahead
The Municipality of West Maas en Waal concluded the year 2024 with a positive result. Significant achievements were made in the past year. Although last year ended positively, the coming years will be marked by financial challenges. Making choices is therefore unavoidable.
Great results achieved
“As a council, we look back with 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 also anticipates financially challenging years. If the municipality does not take measures, deficits will significantly increase in the coming years. This is primarily because the central government provides less funding while costs are rising, particularly in Wmo and youth care. Evert Jan Slootweg explains: “The tasks assigned to us as a municipality are not proportionate to the resources we receive from the central government. Although the central government has promised compensation, it is absolutely insufficient to cover the financial deficit. This means that budget cuts are unavoidable. We have critically examined our own expenditures. All possible savings and their societal effects have been carefully weighed. At the same time, we must also appeal to our residents by raising taxes,” says the Alderman. “That is not easy, but unfortunately a bitter 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 will municipal council have its say
The 2024 annual report and the 2025 Spring Memorandum will be presented to the municipal council. The Spring Memorandum provides an overview of the municipality’s financial situation, current developments, and plans for the coming years. The council will make a decision on this matter at its meeting on July 3.