Currently, city offices are preparing the budget for next year. All offices have submitted their budget requests to the finance department.
The current city government will not discuss next year's budget. The new city council and city government will handle it after the elections.
Normally, budget discussions begin in September. However, it is different in an election year. Now, city offices are preparing the budget draft. The new city government will use it later.
Tallinn's financial situation is strong. The budget surplus is growing. The job market is stable. Taxpayers are moving to the city. In the last year and a half, the city saved 10 million euros. The money was allocated to education needs.
Next year, the city's priorities are education and public transport. The plan is to support Estonian language education, invest in new schools and kindergartens, and make schools and kindergartens closer to homes. For public transport, the city plans to purchase new trams, buses, and trolleys, as well as create two new tram lines.
Public transport investments depend on the election results. The Keskerakond party has promised to halt public transport investments.
The city budget should be ready by December. About 70 percent of the budget is non-political, covering costs and price increases.
Keskerakond leader Mihhail Kõlvart says Tallinn's finances are not in good shape. The city has taken loans to cover costs, and the loan burden has increased. Kõlvart states that major investments require a clear budget plan. Keskerakond's priority is to fix the city's finances.