Rheinberg in March 2026: Budget, Trees, and New Structures

Budget, Trees, and Structures: The Most Important Developments in March 2026

What Was Important This Month

• The 2026 budget was passed, with a deficit of over 14 million euros being accepted.
• Horse chestnuts in Rheinberg are severely endangered – many trees must be replaced.
• The AfD council member Annette Seitz lost her mandate because she was no longer registered in Rheinberg.
• The planned X-Bus line 30 was rejected for financial reasons.
• The establishment of a "Chief Digital Officer" staff position was rejected in the finance committee but remains politically controversial.
• A security service for the emergency accommodation Melkweg is being set up.

Budget 2026: Deficit Accepted, Cuts Approved

In March 2026, the city council of Rheinberg passed the 2026 budget with a planned deficit of 14.18 million euros. This budget was adopted taking into account several committee recommendations. Numerous projects and budget items were cut or eliminated, including:

• 3,000 euros for the project "Rheinberg summt",
• 45,000 euros of the self-contribution for a LEADER project,
• 65,000 euros in lump sum funds for the districts.

In addition, it was decided to tender a security service at the emergency accommodation Melkweg and to finance a feasibility study for heat networks with a budget of 75,000 euros. Also new: the introduction of a binding financial controlling system with monthly and quarterly financial reports and a fixed budget timeline.

Horse Chestnuts in Rheinberg: Trees Are Dying, Must Be Replaced

The horse chestnuts in Rheinberg are facing a major problem: a bacterium called Pseudomonas syringae is threatening the trees, and no approved plant protection agents exist against it. In the course of an inventory, a total of 16 horse chestnuts were examined, of which 10 were infested. At the Kirchplatz and Kattewall, up to 18 out of 31 trees showed damage.

Some trees, such as horse chestnut 83 on the Kattewall, have already died and are now bearing fruiting bodies of fungi such as the Velvet Foot, which is why felling is planned. It is recommended to replace heavily damaged young trees with future-proof tree species to avoid long-term traffic safety risks.

Loss of Mandate of Annette Seitz and New Structures

As of 1 November 2025, Annette Seitz (AfD) lost her council mandate because she was no longer registered in Rheinberg. This loss of mandate was confirmed unanimously in March 2026. The administration was instructed to examine the legality of the election and to reclaim 551.45 euros in compensation for expenses from Ms. Seitz.

In addition, new structures were approved in the council meeting on 24 March 2026:

• Introduction of a staff position "Chief Digital Officer (CDO)" (although rejected in the finance committee, it remains under political discussion),
• Establishment of a staff position for the real estate tax B,
• Founding of a Citizens' Advisory Board for the Energy and Heat Transition.

Digitalization and Security: Controversial Discussions

Digitalization remained a central topic. Although the administration's proposal to establish a staff position "Chief Digital Officer" was rejected, several factions, particularly the CDU and Bündnis 90/Die Grünen, called for a clear digital strategy. The CDU criticized the administration's status report, while Bündnis 90/Die Grünen supported the proposal.

Regarding security, it was decided to set up a security service at the emergency accommodation Melkweg. The SPD called for the promotion of social work and clear house rules as well. The CDU faction requested the postponement of the discussion, as no concrete perpetrators had been identified.

Overview: Trends and Challenges

March 2026 shows that Rheinberg is facing several challenges: financial uncertainty, endangered trees, political structural changes, and the pressure to advance digital and social innovations. At the same time, the city remains under the obligation to remain transparent – whether in budget decisions or in the handling of tree felling.

The discussions on digitalization and security show that even in smaller cities like Rheinberg, modern topics play a major role. The establishment of citizens' advisory boards and staff positions could contribute to improving decision-making processes and involving more citizens in the future.

Conclusion and Outlook

March 2026 in Rheinberg was characterized by budget decisions, political developments, and challenges in urban development. The planned budget deficit of over 14 million euros will shape the coming months, just like the felling and replanting of horse chestnuts. The discussions on digitalization and security also show that Rheinberg is undergoing a transformation.

In April, it will be important to implement the approved measures – especially in the area of financial planning and the implementation of the security service. In addition, it will be interesting to see whether the discussion on digitalization and the "Chief Digital Officer" will be continued in the next council meeting.