Financial Policy in Neukirchen-Vluyn: Outlook and Decisions in March 2026

The financial policy of the city of Neukirchen-Vluyn has clearly shifted in March 2026 toward long-term investments, social responsibility, and tax flexibility. The focus was not only on the planning of training positions and relief for pet owners, but also on the adjustment of leisure facilities and investments in climate protection measures.

Training Positions as an Investment in the Future

The city has set clear goals for the 2027 training year: 2 training positions for inspector trainees, 2 for administrative specialists, and 1 for educators. The costs for these trainings are linked to administrative expenses, with funding secured through the budget.

The cost development is transparent: The cost for training an inspector trainee in the first year is approximately 6,220 EUR, in the second year 18,670 EUR, and so on. In addition, the administration is required to submit a budget proposal for 2027 to ensure financial implications are secured in the long term.

These training positions are not only a contribution to securing skilled labor, but also part of the city’s long-term personnel planning. At the same time, the city is signaling its willingness to support practical and inclusive training—particularly through the option of an integrated practical training or a recognition internship.

Tax Relief for Pet Owners

Another important topic was the one-year exemption from the dog tax for dogs adopted from the Moers animal shelter. The motion submitted by the CDU faction and the non-factional council member Kühnel was discussed in March 2026 and is to apply from 01.01.2027.

The exemption must be proven with a certificate from the animal shelter, and after one year, an evaluation with case numbers and amounts must be submitted to the city council. The goal is to facilitate the adoption of dogs and provide financial relief for pet owners. In the long term, this could even lead to a stabilization or increase in tax revenues, as more dogs could be adopted.

Adjustment of Leisure Pool Tariffs

In March 2026, the tariffs for the city's leisure pool in Neukirchen-Vluyn were also revised. The entrance fee for adults was set at 5.50 EUR, while children and young people (7–17 years) pay a uniform 2.50 EUR. The short-time tariff for 90 minutes is 3.50 EUR.

In addition, a new family ticket was introduced, including 2 adults and 2 children for 12.00 EUR. For each additional child, a fee of 2.00 EUR is charged. These adjustments are intended to make daily life easier for families and at the same time increase the utilization of the pool.

Discounts for people with disabilities have also been expanded: A 50% discount is granted from a degree of disability (GdB) of 50%. This is a clear step toward inclusion and social justice.

Investments in Climate Protection and Mobility

Neukirchen-Vluyn has also decided on investments in climate protection and mobility. Budget funds of 17,390 EUR were planned for the bike rental system "metropolradruhr." In addition, a funding application for a municipal climate adaptation management has been submitted to the Zukunft-Umwelt-Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH.

These steps are part of a broader concept aimed at climate-friendly development of the city. The status report on the Climate-Friendly Mobility Concept is submitted annually to transparently communicate progress and challenges.

Outlook and Challenges

The financial decisions of March 2026 show a city that consciously invests in training, inclusion, climate protection, and infrastructure. At the same time, the budget planning remains transparent and binding—a prerequisite for sustainable development.

The challenges lie in the long-term financing of these projects, particularly in view of rising costs and changing conditions. However, with the planning of training positions, the relief for pet owners, and the adjustment of leisure facilities, the city has set a clear course—away from short-term solutions toward sustainable development.