Riihimäki city council voted and made several changes to the 2025 budget

In its meeting held on Monday, November 4.11.2024, 2025, the Riihimäki city council discussed, among other things, the city's budget for 2025 and the financial plan for 2027–XNUMX, income tax and property tax percentages, personnel plan, the owner's preconceptions regarding the Matkakeskus project plan, and subsidies for private roads.

The city government approved the personnel plan for the years 2025–2030 without changes. The city's goal is to produce services in a cost-effective, timely manner and by utilizing digital opportunities. In the coming years, the organization of city services will be challenged by changes in the age structure of residents and the transfer of responsibility for organizing public labor services from the state to the municipalities at the beginning of 2025.

Riihimäki Tilat ja Kehitys Oy (RTOY) applied to the city council for the owner's preconceived notion of participating in the Matkakeskus project plan. According to the board, RTOY can be involved in the Matkakeskus project by participating in the project plan and investment and by expanding its ownership stake. The city has negotiated with Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) and Hyria koulutus Oy about a project in which a new campus area for the university of applied sciences would be created in the station area. The placement of the new campus in Matkakeskus' current and future facilities is being studied. The city government required that RTOY bring the matter to the board for consideration again, if the project proceeds to decision-making.

One change to the allowance for private roads

The city government unanimously made one change to the matter regarding the termination of contracts for private road assistance and the reorganization of assistance operations. The change concerns the validity period of the current practices and the implementation date of the new principles.

According to the change proposal made by Eija Aittola (council) and supported by Jari Heikkinen (ps.), the agreements related to old contracts, decisions or established practices and regarding privacy will expire on September 30, 2025. Not by September 30, as was in the mayor's basic proposal. At the same time, all assistance ends on September 30, 2025, not September 30 at the latest.

According to the government's decision, the technical industry is preparing new principles for assisting private roads. From the beginning of October 2025, the city will grant grants to private roads if the road association has applied for a grant and the city has budgeted grant funds for it.

Several changes to the content of the budget

The board made eight changes to Mayor Jouni Eho's 2025 budget, three of which it voted on. In addition to these, the board voted on two other issues, but the mayor's proposal won. In addition, three other amendment proposals lapsed as unprofitable.

The board proposes to the city council the approval of the budget and plan with the following changes:

• In connection with the launch of the construction project for the residential area of ​​Jokikylä and the public areas of the park, the necessity of expensive special structures and the level of finishing will be determined. The aim of the report is to reduce the total costs of the project. The decision was made unanimously.
• There is no allocation for Jokikylä's art procurement, but the matter will be returned to when the actual construction schedule of the area's properties is clear. The decision was made after a vote of 8–3.
• In connection with the needs assessment of the family house, the future space needs of the Peltosaari daycare center will also be determined. The report will be made in early 2025. The decision was made unanimously.
• In the field of education and well-being, the resource of four people for investigative youth work will be maintained. The decision was made after a vote of 6–5.
• The technical industry prepares a report in which, as an alternative to own production and depot operations closely linked to it, an even wider utilization of the market in the organization of services is investigated. The goal is cost-effective organization of services and reduction of capital tied to machines and equipment. The decision was made after a vote of 6–5.
• The new city council will discuss the water supply company's tax strategy at the beginning of the council term, so that it can be taken into account in the preparation of the 2026 budget. The decision was made unanimously.
• Maauimala's sums for all investment years are brought forward by one year. The decision was made unanimously.
• In the investment plan, the Finnish Glass Museum's investment for the year 2027 is EUR 4,7 million and EUR 5,5 million for the next two years. The decision was made unanimously.

Tax rates remain unchanged

The city government proposes to the city council that the city's income tax percentage and real estate tax percentages remain as they are now. Currently, the income tax rate is 7,9 and the general property tax rate is 1,45.

The amount of next year's municipal taxes is estimated at 75,7 million euros and state contributions at 10,3 million euros.

The budget proposal of Riihimäki's parent city for next year has a deficit of EUR 0,7 million. Parent city means a city without a water supply company. When the water supply company is added, the result is a surplus of 1,1 million euros.

The city will invest a total of 13,7 million euros next year. The most significant investments are the construction of Jokikylä's public areas, 4,0 million euros, the design and start of construction of small group facilities for individual teaching, 1,0 million euros, and the start of the renovation of the old town hall, 1,0 million euros. 1,2 million euros have been set aside for the basic improvement of streets and parks, and about 1,5 million euros have been set aside for the basic improvement of the city's offices.

The Riihimäki city council will decide on the budget on Monday, November 11, 2024. The council meeting can be followed on the city's YouTube channel or on site at Uramo school (Uramontie 63).

The mayor's proposal for the city's 2025 budget

Mayor's review

City Council agenda for November 4

Personnel plan for the years 2025–2030

Private roads page

City economy page

Stable economy program page