Finances and Budget in Schwedt: Key Decisions in February 2026

Financial Policy in Schwedt: Focus on Investments, Taxation, and Climate Neutrality

In February 2026, several important meetings took place in the Finance Committee in Schwedt/Oder, which significantly influenced the city's financial future. The discussions revolved around tax adjustments, investment measures, and the use of the special fund "Zukunftspaket Brandenburg." The decisions reflect the challenges that municipalities currently face in financial planning and investment management.

Tax Policy: Increase in Entertainment Tax

A central decision in the Finance Committee was the amendment to the entertainment tax regulation. Revenue from entertainment taxes is estimated at 133,000 EUR in the 2026 budget, but the planned increase is expected to generate an additional 13,000 EUR. The increase primarily affects gaming devices with winning opportunities: in arcades and similar businesses, the tax rises to 13% (gross), and to 11% (gross) in other locations.

The decision was largely supported and illustrates how municipalities strive to generate additional revenues to finance investment projects. Critics, however, argue that such increases could particularly burden small businesses. The debate highlights the delicate balance that must be maintained between tax fairness and financial necessity in local politics.

Investment Projects: Berliner Straße and Holzhafen Dredging

Another focal point was the modernization of Berliner Straße. With a total budget of 258,900 EUR, the renovation is planned for the 2026 fiscal year. The funding comes from grants (138,000 EUR) and municipal funds (120,900 EUR). The costs include asphalt work, site setup, traffic safety, and paving. The city council tasked the mayor with initiating the financial security for the measure – a clear sign of the prioritization of infrastructure investments.

The Holzhafen dredging project was also in focus. The costs increased from the originally planned 490,000 EUR to 620,000 EUR. For 2026, 100,000 EUR is planned, with 205,300 EUR transferred from 2025. The funds are drawn from unneeded surplus funds for the operation of urban and regional transport. The measure is part of a larger project to be completed by 2027 and focuses on climate protection and water management.

Special Fund "Zukunftspaket Brandenburg": A Chance for Schwedt?

Another important topic was the use of the special fund "Zukunftspaket Brandenburg," which provides the city with 9.95 million EUR in grant funds. The funds are intended for investments in infrastructure, digitization, and energy infrastructure. The city can finance investments of up to 100% from this fund until 2036 without having to contribute its own share.

The administration plans to present a list of measures in June 2026 and to include investment measures from 2027 in the budget planning. This opens up great opportunities for Schwedt/Oder to realize extensive projects – whether in the areas of transport, digitization, or climate neutrality. However, half of the measures must be spent by 2029, which puts pressure on planning and implementation.

Conclusion: Schwedt in Transition – Financial Planning as the Key to the Future

The February meetings of the Finance Committee in Schwedt/Oder show that the city is actively and strategically preparing for its future. With tax increases, investments in infrastructure, and the use of funds from the "Zukunftspaket Brandenburg," Schwedt is striking a financial policy balance between security, investment, and sustainability.

The coming months will show how well the planned measures are implemented. The challenges remain significant – not least due to rising costs and the need to link long-term financial planning with short-term decisions. But with the right strategy and the support of the citizens, Schwedt/Oder could take a pioneering role in Brandenburg municipal policy.