CDU in Schmalkalden-Meiningen will secure 3.3 million euros for the future!

CDU in Schmalkalden-Meiningen will secure 3.3 million euros for the future!

In the district of Schmalkalden-Meiningen, the use of additional financial resources is currently being discussed. The CDU in the district council submitted an application to save an unscheduled grant. Part of the funds from the Thuringian law to strengthen the municipalities, which gives the district a total of 3.3 million euros in additional funds, should flow into the general reserve, provided that they are not required for urgently needed expenses. The goal is clear: save the new financial means for poorer times to secure financial stability. This is how [Insuedthueringen.de] (https://www.insuedthueringen.de/inhalt.schmalkalden-meiningen-geld-fuer-stile-district surcharge.6239185F-FDA6-B3AC-71E3BC3BBBB87.html).

But what about finances in the Free State of Thuringia? The Thuringian state parliament passed the new state budget on April 4, 2025, which, with a total volume of around 13.996 billion euros, has a considerable increase of around 452.6 million euros compared to the previous year. The support urgently needed on the municipal level is also highlighted on the state side. Around 150 million euros are available for investments and to mitigate special burdens, as reported.

financial challenges for the municipalities

Despite the global support, the challenges for the municipalities are great. The municipal and urban association of Thuringia criticized the financial resources as inadequate. In 2025, the municipalities belonging to the district could even receive smaller country allocations than in the previous year, since important services were deleted in the budget draft according to the small municipal law, which are estimated at around 45 million euros. The rural municipalities also face high district payments and increasing social spending. The independent cities, which hope for stabilizing their households, also meet these financial burdens. The key allocations estimated in the draft are not sufficient to collect the cost increases, such as [gstb-thueringen.de] (https://www.gstb-thueringen.de/aktuelles/medieninformationen/2025/Medieninformation-01-2025- Landeshaushalt-und-kommunalfinance-2025/)

Another point that is repeatedly addressed in the discussions is the development of tax revenue. Many municipalities have screwed back their expectations regarding trade tax for 2025. The reduction in state allocations for investments from 745 million euros to 630 million euros does the rest. These circumstances make it essential for the municipalities to keep an eye on their expenses and to form reserves.

look ahead

The district council Schmalkalden-Meiningen seems to be on the right track with the planned application of the CDU in order to show responsibility. It remains exciting how the financial climate will develop and whether the planned measures actually give the municipalities the necessary scope in order to be able to cope with future challenges. A good hand is required to set the course for stable and sustainable finances.