Positive annual results and targeted investments in West Maas en Waal

2025 Annual Report: Positive Results Following an Intensive Process

At the beginning of last year, significant budget cuts seemed inevitable. Thanks to a number of windfalls, however, most of these cuts were ultimately reversed. For example, the national government made additional funds available at the very last minute. In addition, within the Social Support Act (Wmo) and youth care, the more expensive one-on-one approach was replaced by group-based support. Furthermore, there has been a greater focus on prevention. Alderman Evert Jan Slootweg: “Fortunately, these windfalls allowed us to reverse several budget cuts, and we are even closing out the year 2025 with a positive balance.”

“The executive board that the announced budget cuts have caused unrest. If the national government had provided clarity earlier, we could have prevented this. At the same time, as Alderman , I believe it is important that we continue to critically examine how we can organize our affairs more efficiently and effectively,” said Alderman Jan Slootweg. “The executive board back positively on the process municipal council together with the municipal council to achieve a balanced budget. That inspires a great deal of confidence.”

2026 Spring Policy Statement: Investing Where Needed

In the 2026 Spring Memorandum, the executive board outlines executive board financial strategy for the coming years. A number of major investments stand out. For example, additional capacity is needed within the organization to actually carry out tasks and plans. In addition, significant funds are required for road maintenance.West Maas en Waal a sprawling rural municipality with many roads,” Alderman the Alderman . “Many of them were built in the 1970s and are nearing the end of their useful life. Investment is unavoidable if we want to maintain safety standards.” The municipality is also seeing increasing demand in the healthcare sector. More and more residents are turning to VraagWijzer, which requires additional staff.

Coverage: Save money and contribute together

To meet these challenges, the executive board is exploring executive board cost-saving measures and additional revenue streams. For example, the municipal contribution to Werkzaak will be reduced. In youth care, the municipality is focusing on proven, effective, and more cost-effective group-based care. 
In addition, the executive board raising the property tax rate. “To balance the budget, we have no choice but to ask our residents to pay more. This is a carefully considered decision,” says the Alderman.

Concerns Looking Ahead to 2027 and 2028

The financial outlook for the years after 2026 is less promising. A deficit of approximately 350,000 euros is expected in 2027, and a substantial deficit is looming for 2028.
“There will simply be no room for additional requests,” warns the Alderman. “We hope that the national government will provide municipalities with clarity sooner, so that we don’t keep ending up in a financial slump.”

Alderman Jan Slootweg concludes: “We remain committed to building a strong and future-proof municipality. This year, we also want to make significant progress in improving our services,” said the Alderman. “This will result in better and faster service for residents.”

Municipal council to act Municipal council

The 2025 annual reports and the 2026 Spring Memorandum will be submitted to the municipal council. The council will discuss these documents during the roundtable discussion on June 17. The council will make a decision on this matter at the meeting on July 1.