Meschede, Germany Achieves Break-Even Result for 2024 Fiscal Year

Strategic Insights -

Meschede, the city in Germany, has concluded its 2024 fiscal year with a break-even result, according to its annual financial statements. The city's treasurer, Jurgen Bartholme, reported a surplus of nearly €40,000, which is €3.8 million better than expected. A significant factor contributing to this positive outcome was the high trade tax revenues, which rose by 38% compared to 2023, with an increase of almost €20.3 million. On the other hand, revenues from property tax B decreased by €440,000 due to adjusted amounts for previous years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The city of Meschede achieved a break-even result for the 2024 fiscal year, with a surplus of nearly €40,000.
  • The city's trade tax revenues increased by 38% compared to 2023, with an increase of almost €20.3 million.
  • Revenues from property tax B decreased by €440,000, primarily due to adjusted amounts for previous years.
  • Expenses increased by almost €14.4 million, driven by higher district levies and a rising trade tax levy linked to trade tax revenues.
  • The city's calculated per capita debt decreased to €168, from €1,169 in 2014, while the average per capita debt in the HSK is €1,369 and in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is €3,075.
  • The city's equalization reserve now amounts to over €30.7 million and is expected to be drawn upon to offset shortfalls in the current and future fiscal years.
  • City treasurer Jurgen Bartholme forecasts a deficit of around €5.7 million for the current fiscal year, 2025.

Statistics:

  • The city's surplus for 2024 is nearly €40,000.
  • Trade tax revenues increased by almost €20.3 million (38% compared to 2023).
  • Revenues from property tax B decreased by €440,000.
  • Expenses increased by almost €14.4 million.
  • The city's calculated per capita debt decreased to €168 (from €1,169 in 2014).
  • The city's equalization reserve now amounts to over €30.7 million.

Sources:

  • Meschede City Treasurer's office
  • Meschede City Council
  • Jurgen Bartholme (City Treasurer)
  • Marcel Spork (CDU parliamentary group leader)