St. Pölten plans 34 million euro surplus in 2027 budget

St. Pölten’s draft budget for 2027 projects a surplus of 34.3 million euros after movements in reserves, ORF reported on Friday. The city expects revenues of 271.79 million euros and expenditure of 274.82 million euros.

The largest budget burden will be repaying a 52.3 million euro loan linked to the transfer of the city’s hospital to the state in 2005. The repayment is expected to cut the city’s debt by more than a third, to 120 million euros. Reserves are projected to fall from about 60 million euros to four million euros.

Mayor Matthias Stadler (SPÖ) said the city would continue investing, though less than in recent years. Priorities include flood protection, schools, roads and sewer works.

The plan allocates 2.9 million euros to renovating the SC sports ground, four million euros to roads and cycle paths, 2.2 million euros to replacing water pipes and 2.7 million euros to sewer repairs. A flood retention basin at Kremserberg will receive 1.6 million euros, while 1.5 million euros is earmarked for the recycling collection centre in Pottenbrunn.

The ASO Nord education project, with a total cost of nearly 20 million euros, is due to begin initial work next year. More than eight million euros is budgeted for work at kindergartens. The city will also commission a feasibility study for a ball sports hall.

Stadler criticised rising payments to the provincial government, including contributions for social assistance and vocational schools, which are set to increase by 8 percent next year. He called for lasting financial relief for municipalities.