Salzburg plans €112 million in investment without new debt

The city of Salzburg plans to spend €927 million in 2027, including €112 million on investment, while avoiding new debt by using reserves to cover a €78 million budget shortfall, ORF reported.

The budget, approved on Monday by the SPÖ, ÖVP, KPÖ and Bürgerliste, forecasts revenue of €849 million. The FPÖ voted against it. Mayor Bernhard Auinger said the city aimed to remain debt-free until the next election year.

Education, childcare, housing and transport are among the investment priorities. The largest allocations include €27 million for schools, kindergartens and after-school care, €24 million for culture, including renovation and expansion of the festival halls, and about €18 million for roads.

The city will spend €88 million on expanding and maintaining public transport next year. By 2031, it plans to invest about €100 million in new routes and more frequent services, said transport and planning councillor Anna Schiester of the Greens’ Bürgerliste.

Waste charges will remain unchanged, while sewer and cemetery fees will rise. Outdoor swimming pool admission prices will also increase, except for holders of the Aktiv-Card. Deputy Mayor Kay-Michael Dankl said people on low incomes with the card would not feel the inflation adjustment.

The ÖVP backed the budget after an additional €100,000 was allocated to the “Krabbelscheck”. Deputy Mayor Christoph Brandstätter said €350,000 would go towards childcare for children under three and that support for the city’s farmers would not be cut. Plans also include a new Salzburg app bringing together the city’s sports, leisure and cultural offers.

The FPÖ, NEOS and Liste SALZ opposed the budget. The FPÖ said its proposals had been rejected.