For each group of 10 city residents, an additional council is required.
Friedberg, a charming town in Germany, is on the brink of a significant change. The proposed expansion of its city council from 30 to 40 members and the pursuit of "Large District Town" status have sparked a lively debate among citizens and political groups.
The proposed increase in council members is part of a broader aim to better represent the town's growing population and diverse interests. However, concerns about excessive bureaucracy, higher expenses, and potential inefficiencies have been raised.
Currently, Friedberg's council size is smaller than that of its larger neighbour, Augsburg, which has 60 council members to cater to its 300,000 residents. The proposed increase would bring Friedberg's council size closer to that of its larger counterpart, reflecting the need for broader representation as the town surpasses the 30,000-resident mark, with exactly 30,011 citizens as of March 31.
Mayor Roland Eichmann and Press Spokesperson Frank Büschel have expressed reservations about the increase, perceiving it as not democratic progress. However, they welcome the potential "Large District Town" status, which would result in approximately one million euros in additional revenue for the duchy.
The increased costs associated with the council members' allowances, the mayor's salary, and the organisational effort for council meetings in the castle are lower than the additional revenue, according to Büschel. The revenues of the 30,000-resident city, such as from an increasing real estate transfer tax share, are expected to more than offset these costs.
The historic meeting room in the town hall may no longer be sufficient for council meetings, and future meetings will be held in the Wittelsbach Palace. The transition to the "Large District Town" status would also confer the title of "Senior Mayor" on Mayor Eichmann, entitling him to a higher salary.
The municipal election on March 8, 2026, will allow Friedberg residents to elect 40 council members instead of the current 30. If the city becomes a "Large District Town," it will be able to act more independently without involving the district administration.
The city administration of Friedberg has been performing the essential functions of a large district town for over 30 years in areas like building authority and hospitality and trade regulations. The pursuit of "Large District Town" status is, therefore, seen as a positive development that brings an "image gain" and more independence.
There is no frustration in Friedberg about the prospect of becoming a "Large District Town," according to Büschel. Instead, it is seen as a step towards greater independence and self-governance, a move that is welcomed positively by the town's residents.
The proposed increase in council members is part of a broader policy-and-legislation aim to enhance representation of Friedberg's growing and diverse population. Conversely, concerns about potential excessive bureaucracy, higher expenses, and inefficiencies have been raised by some political groups and citizens.
The proposed expansion of Friedberg's city council aligns with its pursuit of "Large District Town" status, which would bring in one million euros in additional revenue, enabling more independence from the district administration in general-news.
