The finances of Sørreisa municipality have sparked significant debate and concern. Representatives from the Labor Party, the Center Party, and the Socialist Left Party believe it’s time for a candid assessment and a gentle nudge to awaken our collective consciousness. It’s crucial to lift our heads from the sand and acknowledge the current landscape. Municipalities across Norway are grappling with financial struggles, with over 200 out of the 357 facing deficits last year—a trend that shows no signs of abating.
After years of necessary investments that have strained Sørreisa’s finances, projections indicate a looming deficit of 11 to 12 million by 2025. As our discretionary fund dwindles, we’ll find ourselves needing an additional 4 million just to break even. This amount must be repaid within two years; otherwise, we risk being placed on the ROBEK list—a classification indicating state oversight. Such a status would handcuff our autonomy; if the state deems our plans for a new doctor’s office or a swimming pool unwise, those projects could vanish into thin air.
The Road to an Adopted Budget Amidst Crisis
The recent catastrophic loss of the Sørreisa school has compounded an already challenging financial situation, leaving students, teachers, parents, and administrators in a state of uncertainty. As they navigate claims and work towards rebuilding, the financial implications of this disaster will likely strain resources we can ill afford to lose.
So, what options are available? Sørreisa has enjoyed a property tax-free status for many years, priding itself on a responsible and frugal administration dedicated to making this municipality a desirable place to live and work. However, we must adapt to preserve that reputation. That’s why we in the Labor Party, the Center Party, and the Socialist Left Party have reached a consensus: the introduction of property tax has become an unavoidable measure. While none would wish for it in an ideal world, only 32 of Norway’s 357 municipalities exist without this tax. Sørreisa can no longer afford to maintain this luxury.
We owe it to our residents to ensure quality municipal services. Childhood in Sørreisa should be a cherished experience. In the municipal director’s initial budget proposal, we faced harsh cuts, but we chose to safeguard that which matters most in everyday life. The property tax will allow us to prioritize essential services.
For instance, we are committed to keeping nurseries open throughout holidays. We will ensure the cultural school retains its programs and that the library remains a vibrant meeting space for our youth, preserving the part-time position once slated for elimination. Educational initiatives, such as Young Entrepreneurship, will continue to inspire and motivate our secondary school students. Additionally, young residents will still have the opportunity to serve as meal and activity hosts at the care center—a reciprocal arrangement that benefits both youth and the elderly. We also strive to offer a self-financed summer care program, ensuring children have enriching and safe experiences during the holidays while their parents work. Furthermore, in response to concerns from our elderly council, we will continue to publish the biannual “Ka Skjer” newspaper, catering to those who might otherwise feel disconnected.
The journey to finalize the budget has been long and tumultuous. In a surprising turn, the Progress Party and the Conservative Party submitted their own budget proposals, the former without property tax. However, FrP’s budget failed to reach the chairmanship meeting in November, limiting collaborative discourse before the municipal council’s meeting on December 11. Yet, criticisms arose from FrP representatives, claiming a lack of willingness to cooperate.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves: A Closer Look at FrP’s Proposal
Having had time to reflect on FrP’s budget after their presentation in council, we see a lack of provisions for protecting our youth and elderly—groups that deserve our foremost attention. Their proposed budget seems superficially balanced but only due to potential drastic cuts, including an estimated saving of 1.5 million in 2026 from competitive bidding on health services, with projections of 8 million in subsequent years. However, is that a trustworthy projection?
Sørreisa currently expends nearly 50 million on health services—covering its nursing home, home care, and other essential services, all while maintaining one of the most affordable care systems in the county. FrP’s budget suggests drastically slashing these funds to save those projected 8 million, an unrealistic approach that jeopardizes the quality of care Szørreisa residents rely on. Additionally, we were treated to a presentation touting the success of private management in Austevoll—yet that municipality has since reverted to municipal control after experiencing its own challenges.
Serious Discussions with the Conservative Party
The Conservative Party, too, presented its own budget, which initially forwent property taxes but earmarked them for the subsequent year. The narrative that the Labor Party, Center Party, and Socialist Left are the proponents of this tax fails to account for the Conservative Party’s own vote in favor of it. If their budget had been passed as proposed, Sørreisa would certainly see property taxes return by 2027, a situation made possible by a miraculous drop in the debt ratio from 127% to 70% in just one year.
While the Conservative Party banks on sales from the Hemmingsjord housing estate and the fiber network to cushion economic performance, we must consider whether these figures are realistic. If sold off wisely, perhaps we could fetch 60 million—saving a mere 2.6 million in interest for the operating budget. More realistically, 50 million might be expected, and this does little to generate adequate income for the future of our services.
As a call to the Conservative Party, we urge them to uphold their sense of responsibility and acknowledge the need for property tax.
Unity in Sørreisa
As we approach a new year, we take pride in our capacity to come together as a community. We roll up our sleeves and support one another, ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.
Our commitment remains unwavering: Sørreisa must continue to be a premier place to live—a community where we collaboratively build a bright future for all, young and old alike.