Marbach's 2026 Budget: Between Deficits, Austerity Measures, and Investment Plans

Structural Challenges: Deficit and Austerity

Marbach's 2026 budget ends with a deficit of 4.49 million euros. Although this deficit has been reduced by 1 million euros compared to the previous year, it remains at a critical level. Approximately 32% of total expenditures are attributed to personnel costs, which have decreased by -1.1%. Nevertheless, the personnel area remains a central cost factor. The city has achieved improvements of 2 million euros in recent years, but only 500,000 euros were saved in 2026.

Austerity measures particularly affect social and cultural areas: association funding, budgets for kindergartens and schools, city partnerships, and civic engagement have been cut. These cuts have a particularly strong impact on economically weaker families, single parents, and children. In addition, the climate protection officer position has not been refilled, which represents a noticeable gap in the context of climate goals.

Investment Plans and Financing: Between Optimism and Uncertainty

Despite the deficit and austerity constraints, Marbach is pursuing a number of investment projects. The medium-term financial plan for the years 2025 to 2029 provides for investments totaling 68 million euros. Annual investments are planned at around 10 million euros, with depreciation and interest further burdening the financial plan.

A central project is the construction of a new fire station in Rielingshausen, which is co-financed with funds from the federal LuKIF program. Other projects, such as the renovation of the primary school (4.7 million euros) and potential investments in a public indoor swimming pool, heavily depend on the acquisition of grants. The Garden Show 2033 is seen as an infrastructure program that could potentially unlock additional funding for projects along the Neckar.

Financing is largely carried out through loans and grants. The credit authorization for investments amounts to 4.966 million euros, and the commitment authorization for future budget years totals 20.425 million euros. The maximum amount for cash credit is 10 million euros.

Taxes, Fees, and Revenues: Pressure on Citizens

To stabilize the budget, Marbach is increasing taxes and fees. The basic tax A and B were increased by 10%, resulting in an improvement of 0.34 million euros. The business tax remains at a high level of 380%. In addition, a new approach to parking management and a new fee regulation is indicated to strengthen the revenue side.

Revenues increase by 3% to 53 million euros, while expenditures increase by 1% to 57.6 million euros. The main tax revenues come from key allocations from the state (10.5 million euros), the municipality's share of income tax (10.3 million euros), and business tax (7.5 million euros). The largest expenditure blocks are personnel costs (11.9 million euros) and district levies (over 7 million euros).

Conclusion: Walking the Tightrope Between Investment and Austerity

Marbach's 2026 budget is a balancing act between investments in infrastructure and social structures and austerity measures necessary to limit the deficit. The city is relying on external funding, increasing tax revenues, and a realignment of financial policy. At the same time, it is clear that the budget will remain under pressure in the coming years, especially due to rising debt and ongoing investment costs. The medium-term financial plan remains in the red, and the financial crisis is exacerbated by external factors such as the erroneous census calculation.

Marbach faces the challenge of aligning its investment plans with financial reality while not completely losing social and cultural services. The next budget period will show whether the city has chosen the right course.