Moers: 2026 Budget and Financial Policy in Focus

2026 Budget: Structure, Goals, and Challenges

The 2026 budget for Moers is a central element of municipal financial planning. The status report (proposal 18/242) was repeatedly reviewed, with clear priorities and prudent financial planning in the foreground. The planned amount for the business tax is 70.3 million euros at a tax rate of 495%. These figures reflect the current economic situation and show how Moers is striving to remain financially stable despite rising obligations.

Another focus is the upcoming debt restructuring in 2026. With a remaining amount of 2.9 million euros as of the cut-off date and an average interest rate of 2.167%, Moers is relying on more favorable loan conditions to reduce long-term financial burdens. This is a crucial step to ensure the municipality's financial capacity.

Liquidity Security: Loans and Risk Management

Ensuring liquidity is particularly important in times of uncertain financial markets. Moers has already taken out loans of 290 million euros in 2025 for liquidity security, with interest rates ranging from 2.167% to 2.259%. The current loan liability amounts to 218 million euros, making it clear that Moers has relied on external financing in recent years.

The city has clearly defined limits for taking on loans to prevent debts from growing unchecked. At the same time, there is a focus on reducing liabilities through the North Rhine-Westphalia Old Debt Relief Act (ASEG NRW).

North Rhine-Westphalia Old Debt Relief Act: An Opportunity for Relief

The ASEG NRW offers Moers a significant opportunity for debt relief. A grant of 84.36 million euros has already been approved, with the state taking over the debt through loans from the NRW Bank. The term of these loans is 2–3 months, with the redemption on January 29, 2026, and the takeover on February 25, 2026.

The extent of debt relief depends on the per capita indebtedness. If the indebtedness exceeds 1,500 euros per inhabitant, the debt relief is fully taken over. This is a decisive factor in ensuring the city's long-term financial stability and enabling investments in future technologies or social projects.

Grants and Subsidies: Support for Social and Cultural Projects

In addition to budget planning, the promotion of social and cultural projects plays an important role. Moers, for example, has applied for a subsidy of 22,881 euros for the women's counseling center. In addition, subsidies for integrative measures in the amount of 3,000 euros were approved out of originally requested 5,460 euros.

These subsidies are part of a broader program that can cover up to 80% of the total costs, with a minimum co-financing share of 20%. Payments are made in two tranches: 70% upon receipt of the grant decision and 30% upon submission of the usage certificate. Applications must be submitted by November 30, and the certificates must be submitted by January 15 of the following year.

Financial Policy Competencies and Decision-Making Structures

Financial decision-making in Moers is clearly distributed. The Main Committee is responsible for the use of budget funds, with the Mayor being able to approve up to 200,000 euros in individual cases. Business trips up to 500 euros for individuals and up to 1,500 euros for committee members per year are also regulated. These clear competence boundaries ensure transparency and accountability in financial policy.

In addition, the 2026 budget planning has placed a focus on investments in fire department leadership. With the introduction of three new positions and a practical training position, annual additional costs of approximately 534,000 euros will arise. This shows that Moers is willing to invest in safety infrastructure, even if this burdens the budget.

Outlook: Stability and Investments in the Future

Moers' financial policy for 2026 is characterized by caution, but also by investments in future-oriented projects. The debt restructuring, relief through the ASEG NRW, and the promotion of social and cultural initiatives show that Moers is focusing on long-term financial stabilization. At the same time, the city remains open to innovations and investments that benefit the municipalities and their citizens.

In 2026, it will be particularly important to further optimize the financial framework conditions in order to create a solid foundation for the future, even in uncertain times.