Vechta now has a new treasurer: Jutta Frilling in office!

Vechta now has a new treasurer: Jutta Frilling in office!

The city of Vechta has made an important personnel change in the area of ​​finance. Since July 1, 2025, Jutta Frilling has taken over the management of the finance and controlling department after her predecessor Karl-Heinz Bothe retired. Frilling brings with her years of experience, having worked for the city administration since 1991 and, among other things, headed the Office of Financial Services and Budget from 2002 to 2006. She was also involved in setting up the finance and controlling department in the city's civil engineering department and has held the position of deputy head of this specialist service since July 2014. Mayor Kristian Kater is pleased about this appointment and describes Frilling as a financial expert for the demanding role of treasurer in Vechta.

But right now the city of Vechta is facing a financial challenge. As om-online.de reports, the city council has passed a supplementary budget to secure funds for the current year. The tense budget situation is reflected in an expected deficit in the earnings budget, which will increase by 0.37 million euros to 3.58 million euros. This means that the per capita debt will probably rise to 590 euros if the planned loan volume of 7.76 million euros is used. Mayor Kater explained that taking out a loan was not absolutely necessary, but was just an option.

Challenges for municipalities

The pressure on municipalities to finance their tasks and investments is growing. In Vechta, several factors are crucial for the strained budget situation. These include, among other things, cost-intensive projects to develop the city center, the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees and increasing personnel costs. In addition, price increases in the construction sector, resulting from material shortages as a result of the corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine, are putting a strain on city finances.

The total investment volume at the beginning of the financial year was 27.75 million euros, which is now forecast at 31.19 million euros. This corresponds to an increase of 3.44 million euros. In this context, the VCD/FDP called for more transparency and requested regular information on the budget situation, but their proposal did not find a majority. Jens Frye from the VCD/FDP criticizes the attitude of the other factions to budget control and management.

The general financial situation of the municipalities

A look beyond the city limits shows that it is not just Vechta that is struggling with financial difficulties. As the City Day makes clear, the financial situation of municipalities is deteriorating rapidly and is unlikely to improve in the coming years. Last year the deficit was 6.2 billion euros, and a total deficit of 13.2 billion euros is forecast for 2025, which is double the previous year. The municipal associations are therefore demanding a larger share of community taxes in order to counter the increasing financial burden.

In view of this difficult situation, the city of Vechta is focusing on cost savings in the energy sector and is not planning to increase taxes, which is supported by both the CDU and the SPD. CDU boss Frilling predicts that no improvement in the cost situation is to be expected in the next two to three years. The SPD chairman Schaffhausen appeals to work through planned projects and postpone new projects.

In Vechta you are well advised to set the course for a solid financial policy. With Jutta Frilling at the head of the finance and controlling department, the city has an experienced treasurer who will have to prove herself in the challenging times ahead.