The district budget Märkisch-Oderland 2023 is set up. The planned expenses of 429 million euros are, according to the current status, only income of 419.8 million euros. The shortfall of almost 9.2 million euros will be offset by a withdrawal from the reserve. The rate of assessment of the district levy remains as in 2022 at 39.3 percent.

The county council will decide on the county budget on February 15, 2023.
Over 108 million euros are earmarked for investments.

In this regard, the alderman and treasurer Rainer Schinkel explains:
. "It seems that the challenges for the municipal family from year to year become greater. Various, partly overlapping or intensifying crises let the tasks for the district grow. On top of that, uncertainty is growing. It is only possible to plan to a very limited extent how energy costs will develop or how refugee movements will take shape and demand that the district secure their accommodation. It is therefore all the more important that the budget, the financial position of the county offers the possibility to react to unforeseeable developments."

The county budget was discussed in several meetings in the Budget, Finance and Audit Committee.

Rainer Schinkel says:
. "Given the current uncertainties, we benefit from the solid budget management of recent years. It is and remains important that both the county, as well as its municipalities remain capable of action. For this reason, we decided not to increase the county levy rate when we weighed up the options. As in previous years, the largest expenditure blocks are to be found in the youth and social areas. Expenditures of €126.7 million are planned in the social area, €146.2 million in the youth area, and almost €160 million if administrative costs for this area are included. Over €93 million is planned for childcare in daycare centers and child minders. Here the municipalities of the district - as legally intended - are supported.
. But also in other areas, cost increases, higher caseloads or improved services result in additional expenses compared to 2022, be it the school cost contributions, which the district pays to the school sponsoring municipalities and which increase by € 4.4 million or the expenses for our bus companies and the streetcars, where almost € 16 million 2023 are budgeted.
. Of course, I assume that the federal and state relief packages will have their effects and that inflation will not lead to further impairments. However, we also know that we will not be able to take on any new or additional tasks of any magnitude in 2023. It will already be a challenge to master the implementation of the new federal laws such as the introduction of the citizen's allowance or the housing benefit amendment. After all, the administrations also face the same problem as many other sectors in recruiting skilled workers and filling positions. Here I miss a sufficient problem consciousness with those, which decide new laws with ever more bureaucracy. If the authorities are not able to meet the expectations stoked by politics, only frustration will result."
As far as investments are concerned, the construction of the Gymnasium II in Strausberg with about € 32.5 million, budgeted for the next 4 years and the special school in Altlandsberg with almost € 38 million until 2025 are the outstanding measures. But also the broadband development has its place in the budget.
From 2020 to 2025 almost 220 million € are planned, the very largest part of it federal and state funding, but just also over 12 million € county funds.

.

With a view to February 15, 2023 Rainer Schinkel adds:
. "Of course, I hope for the approval in the county council. The 2023 budget will give the county a high degree of planning security."