Budget 2022
executive board presents a structurally balanced budget. With the launch of our own administrative organization—one that is better attuned to the needs of our residents—we are working toward our goals of creating a vibrant and attractive village. To that end, we are investing in more housing, the local economy, stronger connections with our residents, energy conservation, and sustainability. There are still major uncertainties, such as the question of how much funding we will receive from the national government to carry out our responsibilities.
The present budget shows a surplus of €451,000 for 2022. This surplus is the result of additional central government funding—for “ youth care ” and from the May circular—as well as the package of measures the municipality itself proposes to implement to control costs. This surplus is also necessary to fulfill a number of goals that have not yet been—or have not been fully—incorporated into this budget, such as making municipal real estate more sustainable and providing space for the new organization.
Alderman Marcel Cramwinckel, Finance Director: “We have a solid foundation with a balanced budget and the launch of the new organization, which will further flesh out that foundation. However, we must make cautious estimates and take uncertainties into account. We will address these by creating financial buffers. We must align our ambitions with what is feasible and focus on that.”
Cost control for youth and Wmo (Social Support Act)
We want residents who truly need Health to receive it. This is being put under pressure by ever-increasing costs on the social domain . To ensure we still provide our residents with the best possible Health that meets their needs, we are taking measures to keep costs under control.
Building and Living
By the end of this council term, we aim to have completed the planning for 500 to 600 homes at the Intratuin, Starrenburg III, Segaar Arsenaal, and Huize Bijdorp sites, as well as several smaller locations. A key priority stemming from the new downtown vision, in combination with the economic agenda, is to begin building in the “ centre ” area for first-time homebuyers and seniors. In addition to the significant housing need for these groups, this will also contribute to a vibrant and lively village center. We are building to suit every budget, with a target of 25% social housing and 20% mid-range rental units. In doing so, we are focusing heavily on first-time homebuyers and seniors, while also ensuring ample green space and compliance with sustainability requirements.
Voorschoten is becoming increasingly sustainable
The Municipality of Voorschoten is on its way to becoming energy-neutral by 2050. We have worked on sustainability together with our residents. We are holding discussions regarding energy measures and greenery in the neighborhoods. We are taking measures to ensure our residents keep their feet dry in the future.
This fits within our new working method in the new organization to involve residents even more and to think from the outside in.
What will residents pay?
The OZB will increase by an average of almost 8%. This is mainly because it is legally no longer possible to levy taxes on cables and pipes (precario rights). This was factored in several years ago. That amounts to a difference of 1 million per year, half of which we are passing on to the OZB rates. The waste levy is also increasing. This is due to the fact that we are producing more waste and that processing it is becoming more expensive.
Finally
Voorschoten is a wonderful village to live and work in. We want to keep Voorschoten strong and prepare it for a sustainably progressive future.