Outlook for 2023: cautious with reserves and rate increase between 6% and 10%
The general board of the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority will meet on Wednesday, July 6, starting at 2:00 p.m. Items on the agenda include the Framework Letter, water level decision, and Water Framework Directive measures for Paterswoldsemeer.
Framework letter: the outlook for 2023
The general board discusses the framework letter, which sets out the financial and other developments expected for the coming year. The picture is very different from previous years. Significant cost increases are making the water board's work considerably more expensive, due to high inflation, rising material prices, longer delivery times, and additional obligations arising from collective labor agreement developments.
The board intends to proceed with planned investments for the coming years.
In this way, the water board prevents the need for (even more expensive) catch-up measures later on. The availability of personnel at the water board itself and at our service providers is a concern for the board. The supply of materials is also under pressure. With all the current developments driving up costs, the board is anticipating a negative result for 2022. The board therefore wants to be cautious in using reserves to mitigate the increase in the tax rate to some extent. For the purification task, the board is proposing a withdrawal of €1.5 million in any case. This is in line with previous years.
Framework letter with an average tax rate increase of between 6% and 10%.
In order to continue implementing the agreements set out in the administrative agreement and the Water Management Program launched in 2022, the board assumes an average tax rate increase of between 6% and 10% in this framework letter. In previous years, the administration managed to limit the increase to a maximum of 4%. However, this will not be possible in the current geopolitical situation and with the significantly changed market conditions for 2023.
Water Level Decision and Framework Directive Water Measures Paterswoldsemeer
On July 6, the general board will decide on the proposal to adopt the Paterswoldsemeer water level decision. The water level decision contributes to achieving the best possible water quality for the Paterswoldsemeer. It is also in line with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and contributes to a climate-resilient water system for people and water.
Paterswoldsemeer Water Level Decision
The Paterswoldsemeer water level decision covers 24 water level areas, with a change to the current water level proposed for five of these areas. Implementation measures are needed to achieve the water levels. In addition, measures are needed to make the water system in Groningen-Zuid (De Verbetering drainage area) climate-resilient. These measures fall outside the scope of the water level decision, but are necessary in order to implement the change in the water level of the Paterswoldsemeer. Credit is therefore being requested for both types of measures in the De Verbetering drainage area. The total amount involved is €2,780,000.
Credit application for plan period 3 of the WFD measures package Paterswoldsemeer
The general board also decides on a credit application for the implementation of measures from plan period 3 of the Paterswoldsemeer Water Framework Directive measures package (2022-2027). The aim of this is to improve and then maintain the water quality of the Paterswoldsemeer in accordance with the Water Framework Directive. The ecological status (macrofauna, aquatic flora, and fish) can be classified as 'good ecological potential' in 2027. The planned measures include the construction of nature-friendly banks and zones, the creation of shelters and spawning grounds for fish, the reduction of leaf fall, and preventive mowing.
The package of measures has been designed to prevent excessive growth of aquatic plants, as this is undesirable in view of the recreational function of the lake. This will be monitored. The total cost of the package is €4,489,000.