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German Towns Finalize 2026 Budgets as Windfalls, Tax Hikes and Cutbacks Diverge

Volatile taxes paired with rising mandated costs are driving sharply different choices on revenue and cuts.

Overview

  • Unterföhring approved a record €539.65 million plan powered by a €160.5 million business‑tax backpayment, with officials warning of a delayed jump in the county levy to about €123 million in 2028 and narrowing investments to essential projects.
  • Heiligenhafen’s finance committee backed the draft budget but rejected a proposed Grundsteuer B rise from 380 to 421 points, keeping funds for Binnensee pier repairs (€1.5 million), a Feldstraße sports hall reserve (€2.6 million) and annual beach sand replenishment (€300,000).
  • Meinhard’s draft sets a sharp Grundsteuer B increase to 550 points this year, with further annual steps planned through 2029, pares investments to €1.7 million and seeks March 12 approval to satisfy county and regional oversight.
  • Maisach passed its budget unanimously, leaning on €42 million in reserves with planned withdrawals and a likely €10 million loan, as the Kreisumlage absorbs 34% of key revenues and disputes persist over social services and facility repairs.
  • Penzberg must close a gap of more than €10 million, with a mooted temporary Gewerbesteuer hike from 380 to 400 points voted down for now and potential savings at the Campendonk museum sent to talks before any decision.