Bad Hersfeld expects a plus of 700,000 euros in trade tax!

Bad Hersfeld expects a plus of 700,000 euros in trade tax!

On November 8, 2025, the city of Bad Hersfeld had a lot to discuss. The main and finance committee as well as the audit committee of the city council met in the town hall to examine the annual financial statements for the years 2019 to 2021. One could hear good news, because, like that HNA reports, the annual financial statements largely corresponded to the legal requirements. However, some deficiencies also came to light, in particular incorrect bookings of assets and insufficient recording of liquid assets.

The auditors Matthias Prill and Martin Schad from the Hersfeld-Rotenburg Audit Office therefore had to issue a restricted audit report. However, the committee members voted to discharge the magistrate. City Treasurer Angelina Tejkl took the opportunity to provide information about the budget implementation. A tariff increase led to additional costs of 850,000 euros, which could further strain the city's financial situation.

Outlook on trade tax

A bright spot in the financial situation is the trade tax. Bad Hersfeld expects an increase of up to 700,000 euros. This is news that the city urgently needs, especially since it has already taken out a liquidity loan of 17 million euros, of which only 3 million euros have been repaid. The city currently has a loss of 14 million euros. In addition, there are plans to sell a property on Johannesberg, whereby the investor aims to transact the purchase using a different form of business.

The city has also decided to apply for funding from the “Future Downtown” program. There are various measures on the agenda that are intended to increase the attractiveness of the city center. This not only includes plant pots and new path markings, but also a mobile graduation tower and the digitization of the Hersfeld voucher system. Audiovisual city tours and a pop-up store for local clubs are also being planned. The committee unanimously approved the application.

Decisions in the pipeline

However, before further steps can be taken, the decision on the submission of the 2026 budget remains to be seen. This should be decided at the next meeting of the city council. The city is therefore faced with exciting challenges and opportunities - a situation where all hands are needed to positively shape Bad Hersfeld's future.