Espoo’s budget proposal adds about €40 million more for services than this year, with dismissal-based measures estimated to affect 80 people, Yle reported. Mayor Kai Mykkänen’s proposal sets operating expenses at about €1.53 billion and projects a surplus of about €36 million.
The city stays in a three-year balancing programme aimed at reducing borrowing by €220 million.
Education spending rises by about €14.2 million for changes in the pupil structure, upper secondary school places and literacy. Employment services grow by about €7.9 million for unemployment benefits, training, coaching and financial support. Culture spending falls by about €1 million through cuts to staff, premises and service costs.
Espoo proposes removing a €50 monthly surcharge per child for families using private service-voucher daycares, costing about €1.4 million. The income tax rate stays at 5.3%, and property tax on unbuilt building plots rises from 4.43% to 5.00%. Parking and stormwater fees are expected to bring about €10 million.
The council votes on the budget on 3 December.
Helsingin Sanomat reported that Espoo expects 16,000 new children by 2045 and plans to spend almost €1 billion in ten years on 90 new schools and daycares. Next year it will build or renovate 10 schools and 15 daycares, with about €54 million for daycares and schools. The city rail from Leppävaara to Kauklahti costs Espoo €142 million.
Construction of the previously delayed football stadium and city theatre in Tapiola will begin.
“We used to define ourselves as a city of engineers and innovations, but now our most important task is children’s success,” Mykkänen said, according to Helsingin Sanomat. The budget targets about €7.3 million in staff cost savings in 2027 and about €9.7 million by 2029. After this autumn’s negotiations, dismissal-based measures are estimated to affect 80 people, and 60 positions would end by 2029.
“If the council decides according to the proposal, we can keep a grip on spending discipline,” Mykkänen said.