The precious water becomes more expensive. Critics say fees have skyrocketed in the city of Oberwart. Residents complain about additional costs of 28 percent. The mayor asks for your understanding of the increasing demands that the community cannot escape.
Many citizens continue to be (desperately) amazed. New payment instructions with increased contributions are constantly arriving in the mailbox. Energy supply, insurance, bank accounts and much more are becoming more expensive. A new rate adjustment has now occurred in Oberwart.
Huge increase
The compensation for freshwater will increase from 1.7 euros per cubic meter to 2.18 euros, and that for wastewater from two to 2.6 euros. “In both cases the increase is about 28 percent. “Compared to inflation, the additional costs are disproportionately high,” city residents criticize.
Financial burdens
Citizens are being hit particularly hard because inflation has been retroactive since January, requiring the four-month difference to be repaid. “A household that previously had to pay an average of 500 euros per year for water is expected to pay up to 750 euros this year. “That is considerably more and difficult for some residents to deal with,” citizens complain.
Costs are rising
Mayor Georg Rosner (ÖVP) certainly understands the reactions of dissatisfied city residents. “However, we have no other choice. The fact is that no community is spared from rising prices. Personnel and energy costs have risen sharply,” the city boss explains.
Less income
At the same time, the tax authorities’ revenue share has fallen drastically, while projects require more money to be spent on building materials and labor equipment. “But we want to continue investing; that is of the utmost importance for our economy,” the mayor emphasizes.
Difficult decision
In any case, the rate increase was not an easy decision, according to Rosner: “The rate has hardly increased in recent years. Now that we have sat together for a long time, the decision was ultimately adopted with only one negative vote from all parties.” To help in case of hardship, money is set aside in the budget through social funds, the city boss says.
Source: Krone
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