Budget Planning in Biesenthal: Between Supplementary Budgets, Investments, and Deficits

Supplementary Budget 2026: Rising Costs and Shrinking Reserves

The first supplementary budget for 2026 for the municipality of Melchow was adopted on December 8, 2025. The reason was unexpected cost increases in the context of the "Melchow's New Center" project, particularly in the expansion of the playground and the development of parking areas. This led to total expenditures rising by 113,800 euros to 3,528,900 euros. As a result, the planned surplus of 99,000 euros was reduced to 5,800 euros – a significant decline that can be attributed to the lack of planning certainty.

This trend is also reflected in the financial budget: Total disbursements increased by 205,300 euros to 4,245,200 euros, while the financial reserves turned from a deficit of 112,500 euros to a surplus of 27,600 euros. The investment commitment was raised to 407,600 euros, indicating that the municipality is adapting its planning to new realities.

Project "Melchow's New Center": Dependency on Funding and Planning Challenges

The project "Melchow's New Center" is a central focus of the budget planning. It includes the acquisition of a plot of land near the train station as well as the planning and development of park areas and playgrounds. The cost development is strongly dependent on the approval of funding. Only from 2028 is a concrete realization planned, provided the necessary funds are approved in a timely manner.

Another problem is the delay in the review of the annual accounts for 2024–2026. These delays cause additional costs and complicate precise financial planning. In addition, several minor additional expenses must be taken into account, such as those for electricity, water, gas, insurance, and village festivals.

Budget Adjustments and Financial Corrections

In the 2026 budget, numerous budget adjustments were made. For example, repair costs, book purchases, and the management of the TBZ (Melchow Conference Center) were considered. Financial corrections range from 500 euros to 7,000 euros. The municipality also had to compensate for negative coverages of up to 16,500 euros, further increasing the financial burden.

The financial account approvals and planning assumptions were adjusted accordingly to account for the new obligations. In this process, Mayor Reinhardt-Jess played a central role as the responsible person for coordination and legal review.

Budget Development and Long-Term Planning

The budget planning for the coming years shows a trend towards stabilization. For 2026, a deficit of 24,100 euros is planned, followed by 16,600 euros in 2027 and 2028, and 16,100 euros in 2029. This indicates that the municipality is aiming for long-term consolidation.

Investments, however, remain a central issue. Substantial funds are planned for the expansion of the bicycle path from Biesenthal to Melchow to Eberswalde, as well as for parking spaces and charging stations in Finower Street and Alten Dorf Street. In addition, the renovation of the old building of the Melchow kindergarten is financially accounted for.

Conclusion: Budget as a Mirror of Municipal Challenges

The 2026 budget of the municipality of Melchow is characterized by rising costs, investment planning, and a certain degree of uncertainty regarding funding. The municipality is moving in a tense space between financial consolidation and necessary investments in infrastructure and quality of life. Supplementary budget planning is not only a technical necessity but also a sign of a municipality's ability to adapt to changed conditions.

In 2026 and beyond, it will be crucial how Biesenthal and Melchow can maintain the financial balance between investments and cost-cutting – and whether the hope for external funding will be fulfilled.