Geldrop-Mierlo Sets Course for a Financially Sound Future

The Municipal Executive has asked the administrative staff to draw up a list of possible measures (“the options”) that, taken together, would have a financial impact of 4 million euros. Based on that list, the City Council can decide later this year which options to pursue. 

Looking ahead now prevents the need for intervention later

“You repair the roof when the sun is shining, not only after it starts leaking. We still have time now to take a close look at where we can do things smarter or differently. But we also need to critically assess what really needs to be done now and what can wait until later. That way, we avoid having to make difficult decisions under intense time pressure down the road. This gives the city council the leeway to make well-considered choices. That’s sound financial management—looking ahead now prevents the need for drastic measures later,” emphasizes Alderman Frans Stravers.

Positive result

This financial challenge comes at a time when the 2025 annual financial statements also show that the municipality’s financial flexibility is under pressure. The statements reveal that the municipality closed the year with a surplus of 1.4 million euros. This is less than previously expected. The main causes include higher costs for Health support services. At the same time, the municipality continued to invest heavily in 2025 in residents, neighborhoods, and initiatives such as flood control. “While we are ending 2025 on a positive note, we also see that our structural financial flexibility is shrinking. That is why we must take action now. This will allow us to continue investing in what matters most to our residents,” says the Alderman.

Year of the Ravine

Many municipalities are concerned about their financial future. Revenue from the Municipal Fund is not keeping pace with rising costs. At the same time, municipal responsibilities remain the same or continue to increase each year, putting growing financial pressure on municipalities. Nationwide, this is why people are referring to it as the “year of the abyss.” The national government has since made additional funds available, but according to the municipality, that is not enough to carry out all its plans. Stravers: “The additional contribution from the national government helps, but it does not eliminate the financial pressure. That means we need to take a critical look at our plans and make choices. By starting that process now, we’ll also keep the municipality financially healthy in the long term.”