Governance and Administration in Nordhorn – April 2026

Governance and Administration in Nordhorn: April 2026

In April 2026, several central administrative and constitutional issues were in focus in Nordhorn. The Council meeting on April 16 marked a decisive moment in the city's administrative structure. One of the most important topics was the decision to join the Kommunale Datenverarbeitungsorganisation (KDO eG), a measure intended to advance the digitalization of the administration. At the same time, fundamental amendments to regulations and the restructuring of the mediator system were decided.

Digitalization of the Administration: Joining KDO eG

The city of Nordhorn unanimously decided to join the Kommunale Datenverarbeitungsorganisation eG (KDO eG). The KDO eG provides IT services specifically for municipal administrations and is based in Oldenburg. The membership is based on the KDO eG statute and is legally covered by § 137 of the Niedersächsisches Kommunalverfassungsgesetz (Lower Saxony Municipal Constitution Act).

The city of Nordhorn will contribute a share capital of 1,000 euros and thus become a member of the cooperative. The Mayor will be sent to the general meeting of the KDO eG and can be represented by the first municipal councilor. The financial risks associated with the membership are considered to be in a reasonable proportion to the city’s capacity to perform.

The membership is part of a broader trend in municipal digitalization strategies, where many cities and municipalities are turning to external IT service providers to reduce costs and increase efficiency. The KDO eG is an established partner for municipal IT infrastructure and services.

Re-election of Mediators: Johann Thys Re-elected

Another central topic was the re-election of Johann Thys as a mediator for the second mediation district and as deputy mediator for the first mediation district. Thys has extensive experience in administration and voluntary work, including in the THW-Nordhorn and the Working Group on Volunteerism.

The term of office for mediators is five years. Günther Klein, who previously served as a mediator for the second mediation district, was not re-elected. The city of Nordhorn is now looking for a new mediator for this district.

Mediators are subject to the supervision of the local court and the city of Nordhorn. The requirements for the office are strictly defined: German citizenship, residence in Nordhorn, age between 18 and 70–75 years, as well as patience, empathy, and willingness to invest time. Mediation skills are desirable but not a mandatory requirement.

Changes to the Gymnastics Hall Usage Ordinance

The city of Nordhorn also decided to amend the fee and gymnastics hall usage ordinance. The current ordinance dates back to 2003 and was last revised in 2005. Due to increased operating and maintenance costs, as well as organizational and legal changes, a new version became necessary.

The new ordinance stipulates that the use of sports facilities will henceforth be conditional upon the presence of a valid instructor's license or an equivalent qualification. Private events without qualified supervision are no longer permitted. Sports associations, however, are exempt from hall usage fees.

Fees are structured according to hall size: sports halls 25.00 €/hour, gymnastics halls 20.00 €/hour, and small gymnastics halls 15.00 €/hour. Payment is due within two weeks of receiving the invoice. In the case of non-payment, the usage permit can be revoked.

Development Charges: Special Ordinances for Baumschulenweg and Döppersweg

Two further important topics in the Council meeting were the special ordinances for the Baumschulenweg and the Döppersweg. Both streets deviate from the general characteristics of final completion, which is why a special ordinance is necessary.

The Baumschulenweg (excluding the southern spur) was constructed with a one-sided sidewalk, which deviates from the general provisions of the development charges ordinance. The Döppersweg, on the other hand, was constructed without sidewalks and serves exclusively for pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

The ordinances were unanimously adopted in the committees for urban development, administration, and the Council. The obligation to pay development charges only arises with the entry into force of the special ordinance.

Conclusion: Governance as the Basis for Future-Oriented Administration

April 2026 was marked in Nordhorn by fundamental decisions that define the administrative structure and the legal basis for future measures. Joining the KDO eG marks a step towards digitalization, while the changes to the gymnastics hall usage ordinance and the re-election of mediators show how the city of Nordhorn reacts to social and legal developments.

These decisions are not only legally or administratively necessary, but also contribute to the transparency and efficiency of municipal work. In a constantly changing environment, governance is a decisive factor for the future viability of the city of Nordhorn.