Görlitz: Mega budget approved – investments for broadband and schools!

Görlitz: Mega budget approved – investments for broadband and schools!

In a current step, the Saxony State Directorate has approved the Görlitz district's double budget for the years 2025 and 2026, subject to conditions. Loud Media service Saxony This approval enables significant investments in various areas such as broadband expansion, emergency services, and the renewal of district roads and school buildings. The budget for 2025 includes a total volume of 759 million euros and for 2026 even 801 million euros.

Particularly noteworthy are the planned investment expenditure for 2025, which amounts to around 169 million euros. Around 75 percent of these funds will go towards expanding the broadband network, which will be of immense benefit to the region. Those responsible are aiming to complete the broadband expansion by 2026, which will reduce investments in the second year to around 40 million euros.

Broadband expansion in focus

The expansion of the broadband network is of central importance for the Görlitz district. The awarding of services for broadband expansion was decided at a special meeting of the district council in 2019. With an award amount of around 69.78 million euros and the participation of several telecommunications providers, including Netcommunity GmbH from Görlitz and Deutsche Telekom, the course is being set for a future-proof digital infrastructure. The goal is to create gigabit-capable networks for around 6,650 address points, whether in residential areas, commercial establishments, schools or hospitals. This requires massive investments in the necessary infrastructure, which includes around 800 kilometers of civil engineering and around 4,200 kilometers of fiber optic cable. Further details can be found on the website Görlitz district.

Over the next two years, the Görlitz district plans to generate more expenditure than income. However, it meets the legal requirements for approving the budget. District Administrator Dr. Stephan Meyer was relieved about the approval, but at the same time emphasized the need for structurally sufficient financing for the municipalities. Despite these positive developments, the budget freeze in the district administration remains, which underlines the tense financial situation.

Financial framework conditions

A decree from the Saxon State Ministry of the Interior has also given municipalities in Saxony the opportunity to take out more loans to ensure their ability to act and invest. These reliefs also apply to the financial years 2027 and 2028, with additional cash loans having to be repaid by 2037. It remains to be seen how these changes will affect the Görlitz district's financial flexibility, especially with regard to the urgently needed investments in infrastructure.

With these measures, the Görlitz district is facing an exciting future in which the focus will be on digitalization and infrastructural renewal. Citizens can look forward to developments in the coming years.