Solothurn has found itself at the crossroads of governance and financial management as the clock ticks toward 2024. With the city's financial woes hitting the headlines, city president Stefanie Ingold sat down for her annual interview to unpack the current state and future plans for the city.
Once rich with over 70 million francs in assets at the end of 2021, Solothurn's financial health has drastically changed, arriving perilously close to zero just three years later. Looking forward, projections suggest the city could slip even more precariously, potentially entering the red by 2025.
"Dringende Investitionen in wichtige Infrastruktur" (Urgent investments in important infrastructure) are at the heart of many financial decisions made over the past years, Ingold noted, detailing how the city has been continually addressing long-standing issues related to its schools and other public amenities. Investments like these, she argued, are not just expenses but investments meant to boost Solothurn’s attractiveness for residents and businesses alike.
Many residents are left questioning how the city has reached this juncture and whether it could have been avoided. Ingold defended the previous financial management decisions, stating, "Die Finanzpläne sind langfristig und politisch entschieden" (The financial plans are long-term and politically decided). She emphasized the necessity of these investments which, albeit costly, aimed to lay down the groundwork for future growth.
Challenges abound as various stakeholders now reflect on the spending habits and the urgency of reform. Ingold admitted there were missed opportunities for delivering the weight of the situation to the public clearly, remarking, "Ich denke schon, dass die Stadtbevölkerung das verstanden hat" (I think the city population understood this). Yet, there lingers the pressing concern about introducing tax increases to address the shortfall.
The current tax rate stands at 107 percent, significantly lower than 129 percent back in 2005. Ingold clarified, "Welcher Steuerfuss in Zukunft gelten wird, werden wir zusammen mit der Bevölkerung diskutieren" (Which tax rate will apply in the future we will discuss together with the population). While consensus exists on the importance of reviewing the tax structure, the real challenge lies in communicating to the populace the necessity behind potential increases.
Not only financial matters have stirred discussions this year; the use of public space has also generated debate within the community. Ingold recognized the competing demands of different groups, encapsulating the sentiment, "Wir haben verschiedene Bedürfnisse, die auf engem Raum aufeinandertreffen" (We have different needs meeting in close quarters). Effective dialogue will be key as the city explores new formats for engaging with its residents.
Another point of contention lies within the broader statewide fiscal picture. The Kanton Solothurn has introduced measures to save, which have transferred certain budgetary responsibilities to local municipalities. Ingold expressed discontent, remarking, "Natürlich ist es aus Sicht von uns Einwohnergemeinden nicht gut, wenn Kosten auf uns abgewälzt werden" (Of course it's not good from the perspective of us local communities if costs are passed on to us). The collaborative search for solutions has never been more necessary, especially as interconnected challenges continue to multiply.
The question of whether Solothurn can heal and grow from these financial challenges weighs heavily on Ingold's shoulders as she gracefully tackles her position. With the next election year around the corner, the city must not only regain fiscal stability but also rally its citizens toward constructive dialogue and collective governance. Ingold confidently stated, "Ich gehe motiviert und mit Elan in diesen Wahlkampf" (I approach this election campaign motivated and with energy), indicating her resolve to stay committed to the transformations taking place.
One major undertaking of her leadership has been improving the public spaces within the city, showcasing what can be achieved through cooperation with community stakeholders. The Klosterplatz project, which engaged both residents and businesses positively, stands as proof of the kind of flexible solutions capable of arising from collaboration.
Emerging from discussions about future development and revitalizing underused public spaces, the city has recognized the necessity of balancing growth with maintaining Solothurn's high living standards. Ingold highlighted the city's identity as fundamentally intertwined with its residents, stating, "Es ist zentral, dass die Altstadt auch bewohnt und keine tote Stadt ist" (It's central for the old town to be lived in and not be a dead city). Protecting local culture is as significant as addressing fiscal challenges.
Looking back, Ingold does not shy away from acknowledging the hurdles encountered, underscoring the objective of sustained improvements. The city’s modernization and digitization efforts promise to deliver tangible benefits to the public, reflecting her commitment to leading Solothurn through these transformative times.
With election battles on the horizon, challenges will remain integral to her campaign and the administration's approach. The excitement lies not just within winning votes but the foresight of inviting people to participate actively and creatively within their city’s future. The potential for Solothurn to emerge with renewed vigor hinges on community engagement as it navigates its financial and infrastructural quests.
