Policy Framework Document: a balanced budget with concerns for the future
There is a balanced budget for the coming year. Due to the uncertainty about increasing deficits and shrinking government grants, the board can only invest to a limited extent in things that make the municipality special: the villages, facilities and quality of life. The city council will discuss the framework memorandum on July 3.
Less money, more tasks
Like other municipalities, Tytsjerksteradiel is faced with increasingly higher demands being placed on tasks that the municipality performs for the central government, without sufficient resources. Due to the fall of the cabinet, it is unclear whether the agreements made in May will still be valid in September. "The lack of structural agreements at the national level causes headaches," says Alderwoman Tytsy Willemsma. "In this framework memorandum, we have clearly listed the challenges and also tried to put a price on them. These are estimates, but they indicate what is coming our way."
Youth Care Temporarily Saved
Due to extra money negotiated during the spring budget review by the national government, the deficits in youth care can be absorbed for the time being in 2026 and 2027. However, at the same time, major necessary investments in municipal property such as village halls, schools and sports facilities must wait, because structural funding from the national government is not forthcoming. The energy transition also requires a considerable investment. This framework memorandum therefore only contains the most essential topics that the board believes cannot wait. The other investments will be presented to the council, but are on a reserve list. It is possible that these can still be carried out if there is financial room in the future.
Visualizing choices for the future
"The general grant will be significantly lower from 2026 onwards, and how the structural financing of municipalities will develop after that is uncertain. That's why we as a municipality have to make sharp choices," says Willemsma. The uncertain financial future and the municipal elections of 2026 also offer an opportunity to redefine what the municipality considers important. "Which tasks do we want to continue performing, and at what level? Where do we want to focus on, and what might we let go of," Willemsma explains. The council therefore proposes to prepare a 'strategic reorientation' on the tasks and finances of the municipality.
Discussion about the framework memorandum
The municipal council will hold an exploratory discussion about the framework memorandum on July 3. On November 6, the municipal council will make a final decision on which plans will proceed and which will not. The limited financial resources remain the biggest challenge.