Financial Policy in Bad Kreuznach: Budget Decisions in April 2026

Budget Decisions and Investments in the April Session

The April session of the Finance Committee in Bad Kreuznach on April 13, 2026, was marked by several key budget decisions. Among others, the committee approved an unplanned disbursement for the purchase of forestry equipment, an increase in the Bauhof hourly rate, and the renovation of the urn chapel at the city's main cemetery. Additionally, investment measures such as the expansion of Berliner Straße were discussed.

Investment Planning and Budget Shortfalls

In the April session, the city of Bad Kreuznach reviewed the implementation of investment measures from 2025. The original budget amounted to 8.185 million euros, but only 6.796 million euros were actually spent. This results in an implementation rate of 42.28%, indicating a significant underperformance compared to the plan. The reasons for this could be varied: from delays caused by construction site disruptions to a lack of demand for investments.

In addition, the session provided an overview of the current status of investment measures. It became clear that many projects in the areas of road construction, park facilities, and public waterways had not yet been fully implemented. The city plans to use the still available funds strategically to improve implementation.

Bauhof Hourly Rate and Personnel Policy

Another central topic was the increase in the Bauhof personnel hourly rate. The current rate was 41.50 euros, and a unanimous decision was made to raise it to 46 euros as of May 1, 2026. This reflects rising personnel costs and aims to ensure the financial sustainability of the Bauhof. A proposal to increase the rate to 51.83 euros was rejected, demonstrating that the Finance Committee is seeking a balance between cost increases and the financial burden on citizens.

The increase is calculated based on the cost development of the previous year (7.075 million euros) and is intended to enable the Bauhof to maintain its services in a financially sustainable manner in the long term.

Use of Endowment Assets and Investments in Monuments

Another key decision was the use of 467,998 euros from the former Kauzenburg Foundation's assets for the renovation of the urn chapel. Following a unanimous approval by the Finance Committee, the measure will be carried out with a budget of 17,364.48 euros. This underscores the city of Bad Kreuznach's commitment to preserving cultural assets while acting financially responsibly.

The Kauzenburg Foundation was obligated to use its capital assets for the preservation of built cultural monuments, and the city is using this obligation specifically to preserve its municipal cultural monuments.

Outlook: What's Next?

The April session of the Finance Committee shows that Bad Kreuznach is consciously engaging with long-term budget planning and investment strategy. The approved measures – from the increase in the Bauhof hourly rate, the use of endowment assets, to the unplanned disbursement for forestry machinery – are steps aimed at ensuring financial stability and the preservation of municipal infrastructure.

In the coming months, it will be particularly important to see whether the investment measures can be implemented as planned and how the overall budgetary development will evolve. The city of Bad Kreuznach is moving in a delicate balance between investing in the future and financial sustainability – a challenge that will remain a focus in the upcoming Finance Committee sessions.