Increasing City Council Bodies: A call for an additional 10 councils to accommodate the city's 10 residents.
Friedberg, a town with a population of 30,011, is on the brink of a significant change. The city has been welcomed as a "Large District Town," a status that will grant it more independence and an image boost.
For over 30 years, the city administration has been performing the essential functions of a large district town, including responsibilities in security law, traffic authority, hospitality, and trade regulations. This transition will now officially recognise these duties.
The change in status might require expanded administrative infrastructure and services. The city may have to adopt new regulations and frameworks, potentially involving initial costs and transitional challenges. However, the exact figure for the additional revenue that this status change will bring cannot yet be specified.
The number of council members will increase from 30 to 40 in the 2026 municipal election. This expansion is expected to result in an additional approximately one million euros in revenue for the duchy.
The increased costs for the expense allowances and increased salary for the mayor and professional city councilors, as well as the increased organizational effort for council meetings, are expected to be lower than the additional revenue. Council meetings will be held in the Wittelsbach Palace in the future.
The historic hall in the Friedberg town hall may be too small for 40 council members and could potentially move to Friedberg Castle. The increase in municipal freedoms is recognised as an "image gain" and more independence for Friedberg.
However, some concerns have been raised about the disproportion between Friedberg's and Augsburg's council members. Augsburg, Friedberg's eastern neighbouring city, has 300,000 residents and 60 council members. Mayor Roland Eichmann and press spokesman Frank Büschel consider the increase in council members to be disproportionate.
Despite these concerns, the city's chief administrative officer, Stefan Kreitmeyr, notes that the historical meeting room will no longer be sufficient for council meetings. The city's title "Lord Mayor" will be held by Mayor Eichmann if the city becomes a "Large District Town."
The next city council in 2026 will decide on the "Large District Town" status. If approved, Friedberg will join the ranks of larger, more independent towns, with all the associated implications and potential costs.
- The city's policy-and-legislation may need to be revised as Friedberg transitions to a "Large District Town," potentially involving new regulations and frameworks.
- The move to become a "Large District Town" is expected to bring a significant increase in general-news, such as expanded administrative duties, an increase in council members, and potential changes in meeting locations.
