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Voters in the city of Bern clearly accepted the 2021 budget with 72.96 per cent of votes in favor (33,895 votes in favor versus 12,561 votes against). This is despite the fact that the numbers it contains are anything but beautiful. The budget foresees expenses and income of around 1.3 billion francs each and unchanged tax assets of 1.54 new debts of just under 41 million francs.
The city can only finance about a quarter of the planned investments of almost 120 million francs, so the debt will increase by another 80 million francs. To avoid an even bigger deficit, the city has drawn up an austerity package of around 16.4 million francs.
“I see the approval of the budget despite the deficit and austerity measures as a sign that the population has placed their trust in the city council even in times of economic difficulties,” said Council Member Michael Aebersold, director of finance, human resources and IT, according to a statement from the city.
With 88.80 percent (43,371 votes in favor and 5,470 against), the voters also accepted the loan of 12 million francs for the renovation of the Markus school building and for the expansion of the pavilions.
The listed school building and associated gyms can also be completely renovated in carpet. The 19.3 million franc construction loan was approved with 91.12 percent (44,663 votes in favor to 4,351 votes against). (little bit)
