Politics
Oost City Council Approves Community Infrastructure Levy Affecting Household Rates
The levy adds an average €95 to annual property rates from January 2027 to cover road repairs and library upgrades across Oost districts.
How we reported this
The Oost City Council on 7 July 2026 voted 8-3 to enact the Community Infrastructure Levy during its regular session at Oost City Hall. The measure adjusts property rates to generate €4.8 million over three years for specified local projects. It applies to all residential and commercial properties within the municipal boundary.
Timing and Drivers Behind the Levy
City budget documents released in June 2026 showed a €1.2 million shortfall in the roads maintenance allocation for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The shortfall stems from higher material costs recorded in the 2025 annual report. Council members cited the need to address 22 identified road segments in the Havenwijk and Oost Centrum areas before winter weather sets in.
Residents in single-family homes will pay the full €95 increase starting with the January 2027 rate notice. Apartment building owners receive a prorated share based on unit count. The funds target resurfacing on 15 specific streets and the addition of two evening bus routes on the existing line 4 corridor.
Budget Figures and Expected Sequence
The 2026 municipal financial statement lists current road repair spending at €3.1 million. The new levy raises that line item to €4.9 million by 2028. City engineers project completion of the first five road segments by March 2027 based on the approved procurement schedule.
Next steps include public consultation sessions scheduled for 15 August 2026 at the Oost Public Library main branch. Rate notices will be mailed in December 2026 with the updated amount shown as a separate line item. Property owners can apply for a one-time deferral through the municipal finance office if household income falls below the threshold set in the 2024 rates hardship policy.