Budget Planning in Ebersbach-Neugersdorf: Transfers, Investments, and Financial Consolidation

Budgetary Authority: From 2025 to 2026

The city of Ebersbach-Neugersdorf has decided to transfer budgetary authority from 2025 to 2026. This transfer is based on § 21 of the Saxon Ordinance on Municipal Executive Powers (SächsKomHVO) and includes a total of 53,990 EUR in revenues and 345,500 EUR in expenditures. The goal is to complete investment measures that must be carried out before the final payment is due.

This transfer takes place in the outcome budget and will be documented in the 2025 annual accounts. For amounts below 20,000 EUR, the Mayor is responsible in accordance with § 10 para. 2 No. 7 of the main ordinance. The overall project is financially secured, and from 2027 onward, the annual burdens must be considered in the operating budget.

Investment Measures: Road Construction, LED Retrofitting, and Flood Protection

The transferred funds will be allocated to a variety of investments. A key focus is on the renovation and renewal of municipal infrastructure. For example, 57,300 EUR will be used for road network inspections, 53,990 EUR for the digitalization of street dedications, and 47,400 EUR for retrofitting to LED technology.

Another investment focus is flood protection. Following the experiences of the 2013 flood, which caused damages amounting to approximately 9.4 million EUR, the city has implemented measures to reduce damage potential. Investments in flood protection systems include the channelization of water bodies, the expansion of rivers, and the construction of protective walls.

The total costs for all flood protection measures amount to approximately 6.1 million EUR, with maintenance costs over the lifespan of the facilities estimated at approximately 15.4 million EUR. The design of the measures is planned for 80 years, with higher maintenance costs assumed in the event of a shorter lifespan.

Financial Policy and Risk Prevention

The financial planning in Ebersbach-Neugersdorf also considers long-term risks, particularly in the area of natural hazards. According to the guidelines of the Free State of Thuringia, financial preparation for flood damage is the responsibility of the affected parties. The city therefore recommends securing protection through reserves or flood insurance.

Cost-benefit analyses show that the project benefit present value is approximately 3.0 million EUR, while the project cost present value is estimated at 12.0 million EUR. The benefit-cost ratio is 0.25, which is below the critical value of 1. Nevertheless, due to the high damage potential in settlement areas, the prioritization of certain measures is pursued.

Outlook: Transparent Budget Planning and Sustainability

The current budget planning in Ebersbach-Neugersdorf underlines the focus on transparency, sustainability, and long-term planning. The transfer of funds from the previous year, investments in infrastructure and flood protection, and risk assessments show how the city manages limited resources while simultaneously strengthening its resilience.

In the coming year 2027, the city will have to plan the follow-up costs of the measures into the operating budget. The continuation of budget planning will therefore play a central role. Communication about financial and infrastructural developments remains crucial to inform the population and investors and to build trust.