Mülheim's Financial Policy in April 2026: Fee Adjustments, Staff Development, and Budget Planning

Staff Development and Budget Situation: A Stable, Yet Dynamic Development

The city of Mülheim an der Ruhr recorded a slight but sustainable increase in its number of staff in 2025. As of December 31, 2025, 3,409 individuals were employed by the city, representing an increase of 51 compared to the first half of 2025. The core administration achieved a staffing rate of 86.18%, a slight increase of 0.45 percentage points compared to the previous half-year. At the level of full-time equivalents (VzÄ), the staffing rate is 94.78%, an increase of 1.07 percentage points.

These figures show that the city of Mülheim an der Ruhr is largely able to meet staffing needs, underlining the stability of both the budget and the administration. Nevertheless, a portion of the positions remains unfilled, which continues to pose a challenge in current personnel policy.

Administrative Fees: Increase for Financial Security

In April 2026, the Committee on Finance and Staff Development approved the amendment to the administrative fee regulation, which came into force on February 21, 2026. The adjustment was based on the reference values of the Ministry of the Interior, File No.: 14-21.36.09.05, and aims to provide better financial security for administrative services.

The new hourly rates for official actions are significantly higher than before:

• Lower Service Level: 54.00 € (previously 44.00 €)
• Middle Service Level: 60.70 € (previously 61.00 €)
• Higher Service Level: 76.35 € (previously 70.00 €)
• Senior Service Level: 87.95 € (previously 84.00 €)

Although this increase has financial implications for citizens and businesses, it is considered necessary to address the constantly rising costs of administration. The fees for working hours (30 € per 30 minutes) remain unchanged, while office work per person and per started hour increases more significantly.

Together with the more specific definition of fees for positions 24.2 and 24.3, the city is financially relieved without incurring additional costs for itself.

Parental Contributions in the JeKits Program: Adjustment to Rising Costs

In April 2026, the adjustment of parental contributions in the educational program "JeKits" was also discussed. Although the state funds for the program were increased, they are not sufficient to fully cover the costs of expanding the offerings. Therefore, new maximum contributions were set, which will apply from the school year 2026/2027:

• Instruments: Grade 2: 29 €, Grades 3 and 4: 39 €
• Dancing (60 minutes): 12 €
• Singing (45 minutes): 8 €

This adjustment generates additional income of approximately 13,700 euros per year, ensuring that the implementation of the program remains financially neutral within the cultural operations budget. For low-income families, participation remains free of charge upon application – an important signal for social justice.

Outlook: Budget Planning 2026/2027 and Cost Savings

In April 2026, a proposal from the CDU faction was also discussed, which suggests a new budget control measure (HSK measure): a reduction in copying by 20% until 2029. Although digitalization and the trend toward home offices have not led to a reduction in copies – in fact, they increased from 4.9 million (2018) to 5.7 million (2024) – the measure aims at long-term cost savings. The planned savings amount to over 99,800 euros annually from 2029 onward.

This measure is part of the preliminary planning for the double-year budget 2026/2027, which will be intensively discussed in the coming weeks and months. The Committee on Finance and Staff Development will play a central role in reviewing the budget plan for stability and efficiency.

Conclusion: Stability through Adjustment

April 2026 was a month in Mülheim an der Ruhr in which several financial decisions were made that strengthen both the stability and the future security of the city. Although fees were increased, the city remains transparent and sensitive to the financial burdens on its citizens. At the same time, long-term savings are being pursued, such as the reduction in copying. Staff development is proceeding steadily, and budget planning for the coming years is well underway.