Dippoldiswalde remains strong: parental contributions frozen until 2026!

Dippoldiswalde remains strong: parental contributions frozen until 2026!

The city of Dippoldiswalde has made an important decision. How Sächsische.de reported, there will be no increase in parental contributions for the care of children in municipal facilities from autumn 2025. The City Council unanimously approved a moratorium effective from September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026. This regulation interrupts the dynamic adjustment of contributions that has been in effect since 2021, which was based on the average costs of the previous year.

Dr. Claudia Lehmann, head of the main office, informed that an increase in parental contributions of around 15 percent would be necessary to cover increased costs. In 2024, personnel costs will increase by 11,000 euros to around 6.8 million euros, while material costs will increase to 2.8 million euros, which means an increase of 300,000 euros. The reasons for this include, among other things, the measures to reduce radon pollution in daycare centers and increased prices for various services.

Stuck financial situation

A look at Dippoldiswalde's budget situation shows that the city is struggling with a deficit of around 800,000 euros Dippolds.info shows. The city has not been creditworthy for several years, and the discussion about the financial challenges shows that further consolidation measures also need to be discussed. Local council members such as Mayor Jens Peter discussed responsibility and called for savings, including from local councils.

The current parental contributions remain as follows: nine hours of crèche care costs 1,817 euros per child per month, kindergarten care is 757 euros, and six hours of after-school care is 408 euros. A proposal to increase parental contributions to the Schmiedeberg level is also being discussed. The city administration is also planning a concept for the financial situation, which will be presented to the Council of Elders.

Parent contributions in comparison

In the debate about parental contributions, a study by... Nifbe that there are big differences in parental contributions in Germany. While some municipalities grant exemption from fees for families with an annual gross income of 90,000 euros, other municipalities can charge up to 755 euros per month, even with a similar level of care. Such differences require a rethink in the design of fee schedules, particularly with a view to ensuring fair relief for parents.

The Dippoldiswald decision not to increase contributions appears to be an answer to the needs of families in the region, even in a conservative approach to these financial challenges. Mayor Kerstin Körner emphasized the importance of this measure for families and their planning security.