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Financial chaos in Voorschoten: surplus causes political turbulence!
PvdA politician criticizes Voorschoten's budget: Surpluses contradict deficit forecasts. Most important topics and discussions at the local council meeting on July 10th.
Financial chaos in Voorschoten: surplus causes political turbulence!
The municipality of Voorschoten is facing a financial dilemma, as PvdA Voorman Arnold Posthuma made clear during a recent meeting of the municipal council. He referred to the current situation as “Voorschotense disease,” a statement that points to the recurring discrepancies between projected deficits and actual surpluses. Although a deficit of 1.5 million euros was expected for 2024, the municipality can look forward to a surplus of 1.5 million euros, which means a total of 14.4 million euros in surplus over the last six years. However, these positive figures were criticized by Posthuma, who noted that the good result was not due to active political action or strategic planning, but rather to the suspension and non-execution of projects.
The preparation of the annual financial statements, which not only presents the financial balance but also documents the development of the municipality's income and expenditure over 2024, took place during a commission meeting on June 26th. The positive result of 1.5 million euros was presented here, contrary to previous forecasts that announced a deficit of 1.49 million euros. After deductions for reserves, the municipality still had an amount of over 800,000 euros left for its reserves. However, this financial leeway creates different views among political groups as to how the funds should be used.
Political reactions and different views
The debate over the annual accounts revealed different views among political actors. The coalition parties praised the managing director of finance, Hans van der Elst, for the positive result, while the opposition, represented by Arnold Posthuma and Albert Deuzeman from GroenLinks, viewed the returns as an indication of inefficient management. Posthuma pointed out that despite the surpluses, important areas such as support for families and debt reduction have been cut. Deuzeman also criticized the recurring surpluses, which in his opinion indicate a structural deficiency.
The meeting also made it clear that many parties are calling for a more flexible approach to the municipality's finances. D66 council member Esther Mieremet highlighted the need for better control options, while the VVD through Katrien van Meenen pointed out that more should be invested in 2024 than in previous years. Wethouder Van der Elst defended the administration and pointed out that the figures given in the Najaarsnota represent a snapshot up to the end of August.
Keep an eye on the budget
Criticism of the municipality's budgeting processes and financial decisions is also a focus. Budgeting plays a central role in the political discussion and various regulations and procedures must be taken into account. Efficient budgeting in municipalities, as described in the Böll Foundation, requires planning, allocation and monitoring.
After the last discussion, the elected officials expect that the use of the funds will be targeted and social. Despite the existing financial reserves, there are decisions to be made that are intended to ensure that the money does not simply disappear into the financial reserves, but is actively used for the benefit of the citizens. The next council meeting on the issue will take place on July 10, and opinions remain mixed about how finances will be handled in the future.