Fighting for 100,000 euros: The municipality of Berge demands help for public services!

Fighting for 100,000 euros: The municipality of Berge demands help for public services!

In rural areas of North Rhine-Westphalia, the discussion about financial support for communities has flared up. The municipality of Berge has been fighting for the status of a basic functional focal point for some time. In October 2020, the factual partial plan of the Prignitz-Oberhavel Regional Planning Community was approved, which guarantees such places 100,000 euros annually for investments. Mayor Susanne Scherfke-Weber has now decided to continue this fight.

But the mayor is faced with some hurdles. Her community applied for this financial status but was denied. The criteria used seem understandable at first glance, as they include important points such as the “seat of local government”, a pharmacy and dental care options. However, as the mayor described in an open letter to Minister Detlef Tabbert, the municipality is well positioned in other areas. There is a family doctor, offers for young people and seniors as well as a bank branch and a functioning connection to local public transport.

Criteria as a stumbling block

The rejection of the application has not stopped Berge from remaining active. In June 2023, Scherfke-Weber wrote an open letter to the minister and called for a review of the criteria. She emphasized how important daycare centers and primary schools are for public services in rural areas. These institutions not only offer educational opportunities, but are also crucial to the quality of life of the villagers.

The state parliament's petitions committee was called in to examine the community's concerns. The feedback was at least promising: the committee and the regional planning community agreed that the criteria should be viewed as too restrictive. This could mark a turn in the long dispute over financial support for Berge.

Nevertheless, Minister Tabbert made it clear that the financing of public services was not part of the spatial planning regulations. In his letter he referred to the current coalition agreement, which deals with securing school locations and daycare centers in rural areas. Scherfke-Weber has also contacted the Ministry of Education for further support. Their goal remains clear: the community not only needs financial resources, but also a rethink in politics.

Together for a better future

The mayor has firmly decided to continue striving for status as a basic functional priority location. The fight for 100,000 euros per year could be crucial for the future of the community. While Berge has had many strenuous conversations in recent years, a new era of collaboration is now upon us.

This issue is not just important to mountains, but reflects the challenges faced by many rural communities. Support from the state and federal governments is essential to maintain and promote the quality of life in rural areas. And there is definitely still a lot of work ahead of the community - the desire for change and support remains unbroken.