Framework memorandum: a balanced budget with concerns for the future
For the coming year there is a balanced budget. Because of the uncertainty about increasing deficits and shrinking government benefits, the college can invest limited in things that make the municipality special; the villages, facilities and livability. On July 3, the City Council will discuss the Framework Memorandum.
Less money, more tasks
Like other municipalities, Tytsjerksteradiel has to deal with ever-increasing demands for tasks that the municipality performs for the state, without sufficient resources. With the fall of the cabinet, it is unclear whether the agreements made in May in September are still valid. "It lack oan struktural ôfspraken op nasjonaal nivosoargje foar hollebrekkens," said Alderman Tytsy Willemsma. "Wy ha yn dizze kadernota de útdaagings goed op in rige set en besocht se ek op jild te zetten. It binne rûzingen, mar it jout oan wat der op ús ôfkomt."
Youth care temporarily saved
Additional money negotiated in the State's spring budget allows the shortfalls in youth care in 2026 and 2027 to be absorbed for now. But at the same time, large necessary investments in municipal real estate such as village halls, schools and sports facilities must wait, because structural funding from the State is not forthcoming. Energy transition also requires significant investment. This framework memorandum therefore contains only the most urgently needed items that the college believes absolutely cannot wait. The other investments are presented to the council, but are on a reserve list. Possibly they can still be carried out in the event of future financial space.
Visualizing choices for the future
"De algemiene útkearing wurdt fanôf 2026 in stik leger en hoe't it dêrnei komt mei de struktuerele financiering fan gemeenten is ûnwis. Dêrom moeten we as municipality skerpe keuzes meitsje", says Willemsma. The uncertain financial future and the 2026 municipal elections also provide an opportunity to redefine what the municipality considers important. "Hokker taken wolle wy útfieren bliuwe and on hokker nivo? Wêr wolle we op ynsette and what litte we miskien wolle we wolle loose," Willemsma explained. The college therefore proposes that the council prepare a "strategic reorientation" of the municipality's tasks and finances.
In conversation about the framework memo
On July 3, the City Council will have an opinionated discussion on the framework memorandum. On November 6, the City Council will make a final decision on which plans will go forward and which will not. Limited financial space remains the biggest challenge.