Event "Finances of the city of Bocholt" with over 60 participants

The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) of North Westphalia and the Bocholt Economic Development Agency hosted an information evening in the LernWerk Bocholt event hall on 14 January 2025. The event focussed on the financial situation of the city of Bocholt and the double budget for 2025/2026, which was presented for the first time.

Bocholt. Around 60 entrepreneurs and interested citizens took part in the event. Treasurer Jennifer Schlaghecken and Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff presented the key points of the new double budget and were then available for a lively discussion.

Open discussion on Bocholt's financial future

The participants took the opportunity to ask questions about major city projects, such as the planned town hall and upcoming school refurbishments. Other topics of discussion included the development of the number of employees in the city administration and long-term financial planning. Schlaghecken explained why the administration is planning a budget for two years for the first time. This step is intended to enable continuous and targeted work without interruption and to advance investments even in years with delays. Another focus was on the financial challenges that are to be expected due to high investment requirements, rising maintenance costs and increased mandatory tasks for local authorities. Although the city achieved a positive annual result in 2023 due to the high trade tax income, a significant deficit is expected for the coming years. According to Schlaghecken, however, the budget is not expected to be secured in the medium term.

Financial sustainability and alternative financing options

The treasurer also addressed the challenges associated with the development of a long-term overall concept and a property strategy. Particular attention is being paid to the financial viability and sustainability of the planned projects as well as alternative financing options for the municipal budget.

Economic development and IHK offer exchange

Ludger Dieckhues, Managing Director of Wirtschaftsförderungs- und Stadtmarketing Gesellschaft Bocholt, and Sven Wolf, Head of Business Development at the IHK, emphasised the importance of the exchange between the city administration and the entrepreneurs. "The high number of participants shows the great interest of Bocholt's entrepreneurs in the financial development of their city. It is particularly important to emphasise that business tax payments from companies make a decisive contribution to the city's budget. These payments have almost doubled in the last four years", says Wolf.