The college of the mayor and aldermen presents the Budget 2026. In the coming year, Overbetuwe will also commit to a strong, sustainable, and livable society. The municipality aims to work on more housing, safety, accessible care, a strong social foundation, and a green future. At the same time, the financial situation requires tough choices. The government is providing less money to municipalities than necessary for carrying out our tasks, making savings necessary.

Budget in balance 

The budget for 2026 is balanced: the income and expenses are equal. Alderman Van den Dam (finance): “This budget shows that we are working hard for a financially healthy future for Overbetuwe. It is a budget with courage. We sometimes make difficult choices, but we continue to invest in a strong, sustainable, and livable municipality. This way, we leave Overbetuwe in good shape for the next generations.”

Continue doing what is important 

The municipality wants to continue spending money on themes that are important to residents:

  • Safety, such as tackling undermining crime
  • Strong villages, neighborhoods, and associations as the basis of a close-knit society
  • Climate, energy, nature, and reuse of materials
  • Sufficient and affordable housing construction
  • Strong social foundation, support for those who really need it
  • Prevention to address problems early and keep care affordable

Future-proof municipal care 

Overbetuwe wants support to remain available for residents who need it most, young and old. Therefore, we are rapidly working on a future-proof way of providing support; one that remains affordable, is organized nearby, and meets what residents really need. First, we look at what people can do themselves or together with their environment. We rely on looking out for each other and the (resilience) of our residents, families, and the community as a whole.

How do we keep the finances in order? 

The budget follows the substantive course from the Framework Memorandum, but additional cuts are necessary. To keep the budget balanced, the municipality must save an additional €1.2 million. This comes on top of the previously announced cuts of €6 million from the Framework Memorandum. This is necessary because the government is providing even less money to municipalities than expected. We will save the total amount as follows:

  • 70% by the municipality: for example, later maintenance of roads and green areas, mowing grass less often, shared forms of care, and a plan to reduce care demands.
  • 30% by residents and entrepreneurs: through a higher property tax (OZB). For an average owner-occupied home, the 20% increase means a total increase of €69 per year. The OZB is expected to remain below the regional average.

How now further?

The municipal council will discuss the budget and is expected to decide on it on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Do you want to speak at the municipal council? Check the involvement webpage.

You can find the full budget and attachments on the municipal councils website.