Discussion of the 2024 budget: Zurich citizens see room for tax rate reduction

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The municipal council is again fooling parliament and the population with its budget, criticized Martin Bürki (FDP): The municipal council again presents a deficit budget to make a reduction in the tax rate seem inappropriate – and then it seems surprised that the calculation would be better completed.

This year the starting position is different for once, according to Sven Sobernheim (GLP). “This time, not only do we suspect the bill will be better, but we already know it.”

The municipal government recently informed the Audit Commission (RPK) that the canton will repay the excess utility taxes paid to the city in 2024. A refund of around 250 million francs is expected. The minus of 215.8 million planned in the budget would then turn into a plus.

There is therefore room for the GLP, FDP, SVP, Mitte and EVP to reduce the tax rate by three to 116 percentage points. The SVP immediately calls for a reduction of at least seven percentage points.

The SP, Greens and AL, who have a narrow majority in the municipal council, support the municipal council’s proposal, which wants to leave the tax rate unchanged at 119 percent.

Uncertainties – such as the impact of layoffs at Credit Suisse on tax revenues – argue against a reduction in the approach, according to Tiba Ponnuthurai (SP). Instead, existing financial space should be used to invest in housing, day schools and climate protection.

Thanks to the one-off payment from the canton, things are looking good, says Felix Moser (Greens). Nevertheless, the tax rate should remain unaffected: “If possible, any surplus should be used to reduce capital growth and thus reduce the interest burden, which rises again.” A fact that CFO Daniel Leupi (Greens) also pointed out.

The final vote on the tax rate will take place at the end of the entire budget debate, which will last at least two days. (SDA)

Source:Blick