“Development, stability, security: these are the key features of the new budget,” said László Papp, Mayor of Debrecen, at a press conference presenting the main figures of the 2020 budget.
2020 will carry forward the investment processes of the previous year but in addition to major urban investments, including industrial park developments, the public bath and the theatre developments, the city centre, the housing estates, and the green places will also be in the focus. Another priority area, as in previous years, is transport development, including, not only urban roads but also the development of the state road network, and the cultural investments.
The economic strength of the city has improved a lot in recent years, and it was a good decision to focus on economic development. Compared to 2014, Debrecen closed 2019 with 60% higher tax revenue, HUF 20.4 billion.
Some focus areas and budgets in 2020
1) Culture: In the field of culture and related institutions and non-profit organizations, will make up one of the focus areas in 2020 with a budget of HUF 6.2 billion in 2020. Debrecen will provide HUF 3 billion for this area, while the state will provide HUF 1.6 billion in support. The rest comes from the institutions’ own revenue. In addition, the development of the two theaters, Csokonai and Latinovits, will begin in 2020.
2) Social field: The operating budget of the social sector is HUF 2.78 billion. This amount includes the funds necessary for the operation of institutions. However, the city plans significant improvements to the infrastructure of social institutions. The renovation of several social service sites of the city, the continuation of the retirement home (Pallag street) and the development of the Thomas Mann Street Retirement House are also part of the investment program.
Development-Related Investments
The total amount of investments is HUF 78.2 billion, which ensures continuous development in 2020.
1) City center (HUF 7.2 billion): The most significant development will be the launch of the third phase of the small boulevard between Hatva Street and Mester Street, but significant changes will be made to the rebuilding of Dósa Nádor Square and the Green City Program for Déri Square and Vármegyeháza Street with the modernization of Petőfi Square and Bem Square.
2) Districts developments (HUF 7.25 billion): The development of the districts such as the Sestakert, Sóház, Újkert, Tócóskert, Tócóvölgy will continue this year. In addition, many kindergartens, nurseries, and schools are being renovated in several districts.
3) Development of suburb areas (HUF 5.3 billion): The construction of the “Júliatelep” Roads, the sewerage and road construction program at the Nagysándor telep will begin, while the public lighting program and the Nagycsere-Haláp drinking water network will continue. The budget of the road construction based on residential requests is HUF 750 million.
4) Transport development (HUF 7.6 billion): In addition to the modernization of the city roads, the extension of the bicycle path network will continue towards Kismacs in the west and István Biczó in the east. Significant developments are planned for state roads, including the redevelopment of the intersection of Hadházi-Nyíl Street-Bem tér-Füredi Road and increasing the capacity of the Csigekert-Szabó Lőrinc intersection.
5) Education (HUF 5.5 billion): The modernization program for 17 kindergartens including the kindergarten “Görgey Street, but the energetic renovation of Bocskai István Primary School and Dózsa György Primary School will also begin.
6) Culture (HUF 10.2 billion): This year, the renovation of the Csokonai Theater and the completion of the Latinovits Theater will start in 2020, while funding for the development plans of the Vojtina Puppet Theater is also allocated.
The City of Debrecen will decide on the 2020 budget at its meeting on 13 February.