Oberbergischer Kreis: Financial Policy in March 2026 – Expansion of the Special Needs School and Waiver of Consolidated Financial Statement Requirement

Finance Committee meets: Key Topics in March 2026

The Finance Committee of the Oberbergischer Kreis convened on March 18, 2026, and addressed several central topics affecting the region's financial planning and budget management. The meeting, which included both public and non-public sessions, was particularly focused on investments in educational institutions and budgetary control through the examination of the consolidated financial statement requirement.

Expansion of the Special Needs School Oberwiehl – 2 Million Euros in Additional Funds

A central topic was the proposed unplanned expenditure for the expansion of the special needs school site in Oberwiehl. The Finance Committee was presented with a proposed amount of up to 2 million euros to finance the school's renovation. The total cost of the project amounts to 2.892 million euros, with 942,000 euros already available from the regular 2026 budget. The remaining funds are to be compensated by unused investment funds from other projects: 500,000 euros from the project "Wiedenhof 1-3+5 Heating System Renovation" and 1.45 million euros from the project "AGewiS III".

The financial implications of the decision are limited to the financial statement, meaning that the operational budget is not directly affected. Since the funds are available, the necessary approvals could be granted. The expansion of the special needs school is an important signal for the educational policy of the Oberbergischer Kreis and demonstrates the prioritization of inclusive education.

Waiver of the Obligation to Prepare a Consolidated Financial Statement

Another crucial topic was the waiver of the obligation to prepare a consolidated financial statement for the closing date of December 31, 2024. According to § 116a paragraph 1 of the Municipal Constitution of North Rhine-Westphalia (GO NRW), such a waiver is possible if at least two of three criteria are met:

1. The balance sheet total of the municipality must not exceed 1.5 billion euros.
2. The revenues from fully consolidated independent operational areas must be less than 50% of the municipality's regular revenues.
3. The balance sheet totals of the fully consolidated independent operational areas must be less than 50% of the municipality's balance sheet total.

For the fiscal year 2024 in the Oberbergischer Kreis, the following figures were determined:

• Balance sheet total: 516,311 €
• Revenue share: 2%
• Balance sheet share: 2%

Thus, two of the three criteria were met, justifying the waiver of the consolidated financial statement requirement. It was proposed that the district council refrain from preparing a consolidated financial statement for the closing date of December 31, 2024. The decision will be submitted to the supervisory authority, ensuring legal certainty.

Further Topics: Personnel, Digitization, and Budget Planning

In addition to these two central topics, other financial issues were also on the agenda. The committee decided on the appointment of a secretary and deputy secretary for the Finance Committee. Mr. Rainer Schmidt was appointed as secretary and Mr. Christoph Röttgen as deputy secretary. This decision was made within the framework of the district council's rules of procedure and the NRW district ordinance.

In the non-public session, loans taken out in 2025 were discussed. In addition, updates on the 2027/2028 budget planning, funding, fees for the emergency medical service, and digitization were provided. These topics reflect the wide range of financial challenges facing the Oberbergischer Kreis.

Outlook: Transparent Financial Planning as a Success Factor

The decisions made by the Finance Committee in March 2026 show that the Oberbergischer Kreis is pursuing a clear, transparent, and sustainable financial planning strategy. The investment in the special needs school underlines the prioritization of education and inclusion, while the waiver of the consolidated financial statement requirement reduces administrative burdens and frees up resources for other projects.

In April and May 2026, further discussions on the budget drafts for 2027/2028 and the consolidation of municipal structures are expected. The challenges remain significant, but the current course indicates that the district is ready to act wisely and with foresight even in turbulent times.