City Council unanimously adopts 2026 budget with investments and cuts

On November 6, the City Council met to discuss the budget. The 13 political parties gave their opinions during the General Considerations. They were also able to submit motions (proposals) and amendments (adjustments). What does the 2026 budget mean for you? You can read important decisions of the City Council here.

Building further on Voorne aan Zee 

During the General Considerations, the parties gave their opinions on the budget and what they consider important for the coming year. Many parties were proud of the solid basis that our young municipality now has. We are not there yet, but it is a basis to build on. The city council is concerned about the cuts in local facilities, such as the library and the petting zoo. Parties also feel that the maintenance of the municipality's green spaces needs to be improved. The most important topics for the city council are housing (and the roads and traffic safety related to it), sports, culture and involving residents.
 

Amendments and motions

The parties submitted several amendments to adjust the 2026 budget. These proposals deal with cuts, subsidies, taxes and investments, among others. With the submitted amendments, the City Council balances municipal expenses and revenues. And in doing so, it wants to preserve important facilities.

The motions submitted asked the college to take actions or conduct studies on topics such as: housing, transportation, sustainability and timely involvement of the council and residents in important plans. 

8 amendments were voted on, of which 5 were adopted and 3 were rejected. The City Council voted on 14 motions, of which 7 were adopted, 5 were rejected and 2 were held. Want to know which ones these are? Then check the website of the council information system of Voorne aan Zee

Adopted amendments
Library, Push Foundation and De Kerkestee Children's Farm keep grant through 2026

Planned cuts to subsidies for the Push Foundation, the library and De Kerkestee petting zoo will be postponed for one year. As a result, subsidies will remain at current levels through 2026. The institutions fulfill important social roles and will be given additional time to properly Map the impact of future cuts (starting in 2027). At the Framework Memorandum in July 2026, the City Council will discuss whether to adjust the 2027 subsidies for these parties.
 

Preparation credit for remodeling town hall

€250,000 is set aside as a preparatory appropriation to make plans for the renovation or new construction of the town hall. This will allow the municipality to properly prepare for a future investment, scheduled from 2027.

Caregiver contribution retained

The annual contribution of €100 for family caregivers in Voorne aan Zee will remain for the time being. This appreciation is important because informal caregivers often have a heavy care task and deserve extra support.

Our Tintestein Foundation grant

The construction of the new gymnasium at Tintestein cost almost €400,000 more than planned. Because the Ons Tintestein Foundation was not involved in the building process, it receives an annual subsidy of €7,000 from the municipality. With this we help bear the extra costs and prevent the rent for users from becoming too high. This keeps association life in Tinte financially healthy.

Honoring athletes and volunteers involved

The municipality wants to give athletes and involved volunteers a festive welcome at the town hall, because sport is important for health and social life. The cost for this tribute will be adjusted from €95,000 to €60,000. 

Adopted motions
Secure AI support for council members

Board members will have access to a secure AI assistant similar to the tool the board uses. AI, or artificial intelligence, is a smart computer that can help find and process information quickly, such as answering questions or writing. This support makes it easier to process large documents. 

Return of the night bus

The night bus between Rotterdam and Spijkenisse via Rozenburg and Voorne aan Zee must return for safe and affordable night travel for young people. With the passage of this motion, the municipality will work to make this happen.

Compensation sports associations

Sports associations that use the Dukdalf and have paid too much rent for the use of the sports hall will receive compensation or investments in their accommodation. This will do justice to the associations.

Research on improving environmental management

It examines how best to embed environmental management in the municipality's organization. This is with the goal of improving communication and participation in construction and infrastructure projects. The study also focuses on costs, planning and the best way to support current and future projects.

More flex housing through the Woonbedrijf

There is a severe shortage of affordable housing, especially for young people and those who need homes quickly. Flex housing can be placed quickly and sustainably. The municipality wants to work with the Woonbedrijf to place at least 100 new flex homes by 2027. 

Municipality investigates independence of Ons Tintestein Foundation

The City Council has decided to investigate whether the Ons Tintestein Foundation can become independent from 2028. The council wants to know what arrangements are needed regarding money and volunteerism. Next year there will be a report with more information. In this way, the municipality wants to make the foundation stronger and more independent.

Push Foundation, Library and Petting Zoo De Kerkestee grant 

The City Council decided that by the end of the second quarter 2026, the college must provide insight into the impact of the cuts in subsidies for the Push Foundation, the library and petting zoo De Kerkestee. It was also agreed that the cuts will be halved for the time being in 2027. With this, the council wants to ensure better consideration and protection of these important community facilities.

Speakers

Two individuals exercised their right to speak. The first speaker was concerned about the cut in subsidies for De Kerkestee Children's Farm. The second speaker emphasized the important role of Stichting Push in Voorne aan Zee, especially in youth work.