Burgenland ÖVP municipalities warn of financial squeeze

Burgenland municipalities have no room in their budgets for investment or routine duties, the regional Municipal Association warned, according to ORF. Its president, Markus Ulram, said the financial outlook should set alarm bells ringing and called for fairness, transparency and long-term planning.

Ulram said the lack of funds could force municipalities to raise fees and charges for residents. He said this was not because mayors were managing budgets poorly, but because deductions from the revenue shares paid to municipalities by the state had risen sharply.

Eisenstadt Mayor Thomas Steiner of the ÖVP said the city received 7.5 million euros in revenue shares in 2019, compared with three million euros most recently. He said the shortfall of more than four million euros a year could not be sustained. Steiner called for state and federal authorities to cover costs arising from their decisions and for the state to provide 100 million euros in interest-free loans to municipalities.

ÖVP parliamentary group leader Bernd Strobl called for uniform standards in municipal oversight. Comparing Ollersdorf, where he is mayor, with Bad Sauerbrunn, he said municipalities needed support and fair conditions, with none treated as second- or third-class.

State Councillor Leonhard Schneemann of the SPÖ said the state was supporting municipalities during financially difficult times. He pointed to a state and EU initiative for energy efficiency and climate protection, with a budget of more than four million euros. Municipalities could choose their own projects, and the grant covered half of eligible investment costs. About 20 municipalities have had specific projects approved.