- Priorities further explained
Using the capital without destination for an investment on climate
The municipality has a budget of € 4.5 million that is simply in the bank account. This was kept because of a favorable interest rate, which yielded money. This favorable interest rate is now approaching 0. Connect Wageningen wants to use this budget to acquire more knowledge and expertise in the field of climate. At first it will be an investment for Wageningen, followed by becoming a frontrunner in climate adaptation and become an example for other municipalities who are interested in the same knowledge and research on how Wageningen will have achieved this. In this manner, we create revenues. Currently, the municipality has 0 income in spite of its knowledge and expertise. A missed opportunity!
Allocate part of the ring road budget for a bicycle tunnel
Wageningen has saved money for years to improve Wageningen's accessibility. Before, Wageningen could make their own plans. However, now the province has taken over this portfolio because 'the Wageningen city council has not met the expectations’. The province has opted for the cheap solution, so we have a surplus in money (which was saved). Connect Wageningen believes that the budget can be allocated to realize several projects: (1) noise-reduction (2) greening at the ring road (3) bicycle tunnel at Bornsesteeg intersection.
Reduce the dog tax to cover other costs
Connect Wageningen believes that the dog tax must be cost-effective for the extra measures that the municipality must take to keep the streets clean of dog droppings. As far as we are concerned, the waste bins and dog outlet fields are paid from the dog tax. However, in reality a large part of the dog's tax does not end up for this, but simply disappears in the pocket of the municipality. For this reason, Connect Wageningen would be in favor of a reduction to balance income and expenses in the area of 'dog affairs'.
Invest in a city marketer who seeks opportunities for more subsidies
We want to appoint a city marketer who acts as the bridge between the external and internal environment of Wageningen. He or she will be given two tasks: 1. To profile Wageningen outside of the city and strengthen the Wageningen brand. And 2. Bring ideas and subsidies from Foodvalley, Gelderland, NL and EU to Wageningen. These subsidies can be used for the municipality, organizations and start-ups.
