Mayor presents budget proposal in Jyväskylä amid significant cuts and looming deficit

The mayor of Jyväskylä, Timo Koivisto, presented the city’s budget for the upcoming year on Monday. The proposal includes the closures of several educational institutions, namely the Kuohu and Liinalampi schools, as well as the Lohikoski and Vesanka libraries. Additionally, organized activities at the Yrttisuo family park will be halted, and the nearby Piippuranta and Kortteli clubs, which offer programs for seniors and immigrants, will also shut down. Furthermore, the city plans to discontinue snow clearing for homeowners aged 75 and older.

Despite cutting approximately €7.7 million from the budget, the city anticipates a deficit of around €20.7 million in the coming year, largely due to state funding cuts associated with welfare area reform. This €20 million shortfall was anticipated two years ago.

Alongside the budget cuts, Koivisto proposed an additional €500,000 for a collaboration with automotive manufacturer Toyota and the Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof) to promote clean and efficient transport in Central Finland. He also recommended an extra €400,000 for a project aimed at enhancing children’s well-being and a €70,000 boost for the cultural center Villa Rana.

The budget outlines investment plans of approximately €85 million, including €6 million for the Keskusta kindergarten school and over €4 million each for the Lohikoski and Kivistö daycare centers. The renovation of the city theater is budgeted at €13.5 million, along with other significant infrastructure projects.

Planned tax rates, including the income tax rate of eight percent, will remain unchanged. However, some city council groups oppose the proposed school and library closures, indicating a strong disagreement regarding budget cuts in education and culture. The city council will discuss the budget proposal further, with a final decision set for November 25.