The district council adopted the budget for 2026 at its meeting on February 11, 2026. The operating budget includes expenditure of €546.5 million. Despite the strained municipal financial situation, the district is sending a clear signal for stability and investment in the future. However, it combines the resolution with specific blocking notes for selected construction projects.
Treasurer Rainer Schinkel prepared the budget for the 22nd time in his term of office and for the last time. When introducing the budget, he emphasized the structural challenges: "In my first budget in 2005, €191.5 million was budgeted in the administrative budget. The development of the budget volume alone shows how our country, in this case our district, has developed and how our welfare state has been expanded."
Deficit situation – reserves ensure ability to act
Like many municipalities nationwide, the district is also planning for a deficit in 2026. Nationwide, the municipal deficit amounted to EUR 24 billion in 2024 and is expected to be around EUR 30 billion in 2025. This is due to stagnating or declining income combined with rising statutory expenditure.
This is particularly evident in the youth and social sector:
- Social sector: over 167 million euros
- Youth sector: over 178 million euros
Both areas will each increase by around 1.5 million euros compared to the previous year. The deficits for 2026 and 2027 will be covered from the reserve that was built up in economically better years.
District levy remains at 43%
The assessment rate for the district levy remains unchanged at 43.0%. This will continue to ensure a balance of interests between the district and the municipalities belonging to the district. The aim is not to place an additional burden on local self-government in the towns and municipalities.
€64.5 million in investments planned
Investments of €64.5 million are planned for 2026. euros are planned for 2026, particularly in:
- schools and educational infrastructure
- broadband expansion (incl. grey-spot program)
- Economic development
- Fire and disaster protection
In addition, the first funds from the approximately 44 million euros from the federal government's special fund.
At the same time, the overall investment list had to be reduced and in some cases extended in order to take account of the financial framework conditions.
Blocking notices for selected construction projects
However, the district council has placed blocking notices on several construction investments in the budget. Affected are:
- the new archive building,
- the administration building Haus E in Seelow,
- the IZL project,
- the shared accommodation in Gusow-Platkow.
These projects will only be pursued further once updated plans and profitability calculations are available and the district committee and district council have given their approval.
In his budget speech, Schinkel had already emphasized that every investment would be put to the test from the outset and that new developments would of course be taken into account.
Voluntary services secured
The level of voluntary services remains stable: a total of €12.2 million has been budgeted, of which €8.8 million is the district's share. This maintains the scope for action in culture, sport, volunteering and social projects.
Responsibility in difficult times
In conclusion, the treasurer appealed to the political responsibility of the district council:
"Local self-government is not a fair-weather event."
With the adopted 2026 budget, the district is focusing on solid financial planning, moderate investments and transparent prioritization. With the aim of remaining capable of acting despite difficult conditions and securing the future viability of the region.