Bestensee: Monthly Review April 2026 – Budget, Kindergartens, and Climate Protection in Focus

2026 Budget Approved – Climate Protection and Kindergartens in Focus

What Was Important This Month

• The 2026 budget was approved: Significant funds from the special fund are being allocated to climate protection projects, photovoltaics, and kindergartens.
• Kindergarten meal subsidies were recalculated: Parental contributions are increasing, while the municipality is financing a fixed share.
• Photovoltaic systems are being installed at the town hall, primary school, and kindergartens: The goal is energy efficiency and earnings under the Renewable Energy Act (EEG).
• The Bestensee Business Site is being re-evaluated: The municipality is examining possible expansions and external management.
• Support for associations is coming: Eight associations applied for funding for cultural and social projects.
• Financial stability maintained: A financial result of 7,100 EUR was achieved, without taking on new loans.

2026 Budget: Stable Finances, but Rising Tax Rate

In April 2026, the 2026 budget of the municipality of Bestensee was approved. With a total result of 981,400 EUR, the municipality remains financially stable. The tax rate increased from 30.36 % (2025) to 38.17 % (2026), due to higher income from income tax and business tax.

The total expenditures (25.91 million EUR) covered personnel costs (12.21 million EUR), depreciation (1.57 million EUR), and transfer expenditures (5.8 million EUR). The municipal council decided that no financial stabilization concept is needed and no new loans will be taken on. Instead, a special fund of 3.88 million EUR will be used for climate protection and infrastructure projects.

Kindergarten Reform: Meal Subsidies Recalculated

In April, the kindergarten regulation was amended to clarify the funding for lunch meals. The municipality will now pay 1.22 EUR per portion in kindergartens and 1.12 EUR in primary schools. The parental share increases accordingly: 2.19 EUR per day in kindergartens and 2.74 EUR in primary schools. The changes, which take effect from 01.07.2026, are part of a greater financial responsibility by parents, supplemented by a fixed monthly subsidy.

The changes were discussed in several committees – including the Finance Committee and the Health and Social Committee – and are based on §§ 10 and 11 of the Kindergarten Regulation and the Brandenburg Kindergarten Act (KitaG). The new regulation aims to ensure transparency and sustainability in the financing of meals.

Climate Protection and Photovoltaics: More Than Just Saving Energy

A central topic was the use of the federal special fund for climate protection and infrastructure. 3.88 million EUR will be invested in photovoltaic systems, energy-efficient renovations, and the volunteer fire brigade. In particular, the primary school will receive a photovoltaic system with 30 kW, which not only saves electricity but also generates income through electricity feed-in under the EEG.

The systems will be installed at the town hall, municipal workshop, primary school, Waldkita Pätz, and Kindertagesstätte Zwergenland. In addition to electricity generation, informational boards at the sites will educate students about renewable energy. The annual budget for the fire brigade is calculated at 75,000 EUR.

The decisions are based on the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) and the climate protection guidelines of the Brandenburg municipal constitution. The municipality is thus sending a clear signal for climate protection and sustainability.

Bestensee Business Site: From Balance Sheet to the Future

The Bestensee Business Site (Köriser Straße 5) generated a surplus of 42,000 EUR in 2025. The municipality has now decided to reassess the management and development of the site. The aim is to explore potential for expansion, such as a new fire station, and to consider possible external management options.

The municipal administration has been tasked with preparing monthly reports and developing action options. Organizational questions and integration into the local development plan are also to be considered. The decision was made in several committees and is based on § Committee on Order and the Municipal Code.

Association Support: Culture and Sports Remain Important

Eight associations submitted applications for funding in accordance with the Regional and Funding Guidelines. Among them, the SC Karate Bestensee e.V., the Men's Choral Society Bestensee, and the Pätz Local History Association e.V. each applied for 500 EUR and 450 EUR. The funds from the special fund are distributed annually: 25 % for debt reduction, 25 % for association support, 25 % for kindergartens and schools, and 25 % for social projects.

The applications were submitted with complete bank details and signatures. The municipality emphasizes that it basically rejects new debt, instead focusing on sustainability and self-responsibility.

Overview: Stable Finances, but Challenges

In April 2026, Bestensee recorded a stable financial situation, but also rising tax rates and complex decision-making processes. The municipality is investing more in climate protection, education, and social projects, while emphasizing budget discipline. The participation of citizens remains central – especially in matters of kindergarten financing and business site development.

The month shows that Bestensee is on a clear course: sustainability, transparency, and citizen participation in focus.

Outlook: May 2026 – Implementation and Evaluation

In May 2026, the focus will be on the implementation of the approved projects. The photovoltaic systems will start installation, the kindergarten meal reform will be finalized, and the management of the business site will be further examined. The municipal council will also be informed about the results of the association funding and may discuss further applications.

The monthly review shows: Bestensee is on a clear path toward sustainability and financial stability – with clear decisions and transparent communication.