Bergisch Gladbach's €49M budget crisis sparks calls for drastic cuts
Bergisch Gladbach is facing a financial squeeze as the 2026 budget reveals a €49.0 million shortfall. Rising costs, shrinking state funding, and inflation driven by global crises like the Iran situation are pushing expenses higher. CDU leader Michael Metten has called for strict cuts, warning that further tax hikes are not the answer. The city's financial strain is clear in the numbers. Municipal spending has jumped from €324 million to €498 million by 2026—a 54% increase. Staff numbers have also grown, from 1,187 to 1,528, up by 29%. Meanwhile, the property tax rate (Grundsteuer B) has soared from 571% to 950%, making Bergisch Gladbach the fourth most expensive city in Germany for local taxes and fees.
State funding has dropped by €16 million, while costs for daycare subsidies and transfers keep climbing. Wastewater fees are set to rise sharply due to a €427 million investment in new disposal infrastructure. Metten argues that without binding limits on personnel costs, spending will continue to spiral. The CDU's proposal focuses on deep budget cuts rather than tax increases. Their goal is to keep property tax rates from rising further, insisting any adjustments must remain revenue-neutral. Metten has criticised past SPD-led administrations for aggressive tax hikes over the last 21 years, pointing to the current deficit of around €50 million annually.
The 2026 budget remains far from balanced, with no quick fixes in sight. Residents already face high living costs, and further fee increases appear unavoidable. Without major spending reforms, the city's financial pressures are likely to persist.
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