Balingen Introduces Paid Parking to Ease Budget Strain
Balingen is set to introduce paid parking from 2026 as part of a wider effort to tackle financial strain. The move comes alongside a projected deficit of ā¬3.5 million for 2025, pushing officials to seek new revenue streams. Acting mayor Ermilio Verrengia and OberbĆ¼rgermeister Dirk Abel presented the budget draft to the city council on December 22, 2025, outlining both cost-cutting measures and infrastructure investments.
The decision to charge for public parking aims to spread costs more evenly and boost city income. Officials anticipate resistance from residents, as the change will likely spark debate over fairness and convenience.
The 2026 budget also includes plans to restructure municipal services. Wastewater management will become a separate entity, while the city will shrink its building portfolio to reduce upkeep expenses. These steps follow a forecasted debt rise to nearly ā¬25.6 million by late 2026.
Despite financial pressures, Balingen expects around ā¬21 million from the Federal and Municipal Infrastructure Financing Act. The funds will support local projects, helping balance borrowing with targeted investments.
The new parking fees and service reforms are designed to stabilise Balingenās finances. With debt projected to climb and infrastructure funding secured, the city is focusing on controlled spending and revenue growth. The councilās next steps will determine how smoothly these changes take effect.
