Buskerud County prioritizes education and public services in 2025 budget proposal

Buskerud County is prioritizing the preservation of key educational institutions and public services as it presents its budget proposal for 2025 and the economic plan for 2025-2028. According to County Director Jan Sivert Jøsendal, the focus has been on ensuring that none of the county’s twelve high schools will be closed, including the crucial Numedal High School, which is vital for the local housing and labor market.

Despite facing a significant financial restructuring due to decreased revenue, which requires savings of 250 million NOK, the proposal estimates a reduction of 200 million NOK. Jøsendal noted that recent budget adjustments have enabled them to avoid potentially deeper cuts and highlighted a successful debt restructuring that freed up 47 million NOK.

While Buskerud initially received 22 million NOK less than expected from the national budget, they later celebrated an additional 34 million NOK for the county. However, Jøsendal emphasized that while this is beneficial, it is insufficient for the broader restructuring efforts.

The proposed changes affect various sectors, including education, dental care, transportation, and culture. Jøsendal identified Numedal High School and certain educational programs, as well as public transport, as winners in the budget proposal. He stated that the cuts are not decisions made lightly, but rather necessary measures to maintain a diverse educational offering within a reduced framework.

The Buskerud County Council has called for further proposals to achieve a net operational result of 3%, and the final decision on these savings will be made by county politicians. The budget and economic plan are scheduled for political review on November 19-20 and will be finalized in the council meeting on December 16-17.