Citizens' meeting in Hahnbach: future projects and important figures!

Citizens' meeting in Hahnbach: future projects and important figures!

On November 3, 2025, a citizens' meeting in Hahnbach took place at the Gasthof Ritter. Mayor Bernhard Lindner warmly welcomed those present. The aim of this meeting was to inform residents about current issues and developments in the community.

Mayor Lindner and the office manager Sabine Wilde presented the work of the municipal administration. The activities of a total of 37 employees, including 32 full-time employees in various areas such as the construction yard, sewage treatment and waterworks, as well as in the town hall, were highlighted. They also reported on a team of around 50 part-time employees who support the community.

Population development and current topics

The current statistics on population development remained a central topic. As of June 30, 2025, the municipality recorded 58 deaths, 31 births and 20 marriages, increasing the population to 4,972. The topics addressed, such as flash flood management, cemetery renovation, fee adjustments and densification, also required special attention.

Another important concern is school education. The school network of the Max Prechtl School with the communities of Vilseck and Schnaittenbach-Hirschau enjoys high priority. Future plans include a barrier-free wooden expansion in 2026, as well as the promotion of digital media and a new green classroom.

738,000 euros are budgeted for material expenses for school children, while 1,201,000 euros are available for 241 children in daycare centers. The community is also active in supporting over 90 clubs and cultural projects with almost 100,000 euros.

Infrastructure projects and burdens

In terms of infrastructure, the focus is on the construction of a boules court between the community pond and the sports field, as well as a planned summer curling track next to the new soccer court. Given the current challenges such as stagnation in building applications and the need to terminate leases for adjacent allotments, the community is showing a commitment to promoting biodiversity by transforming the Vogellohbach.

There is also an intention to plan wind turbines, with public participation subject to economic viability. To ensure long-term security of the water supply, a new deep well and a new elevated tank of 1,200 m³ are being planned. The consumption fees for the Adlholz-Irlbach Group's water supply will be increased from 1.45 euros/cbm to 2.11 euros/cbm from January 1, 2026. The price in Hahnbach is currently 2.12 euros/cbm.

There are stable figures to report regarding the community's financial situation. The debt per resident is 1,304 euros, while the interest burden was reduced from 278,000 euros to 93,000 euros through debt restructuring. Despite the challenges, twelve major projects are in progress or planned.

Applause for the municipal administration

The meeting ended with applause for Mayor Lindner and his team, who attach great importance to good information and transparent communication. Citizen participation is a crucial element in promoting close cooperation between administration, politics and the population. According to mtrlegal.com, this is intended to ensure transparency and dialogue and is an important instrument of local self-government.

In Bavaria, citizens' assemblies are a clearly regulated instrument for annual convening, with Wikipedia pointing out that residents have the right to submit proposals and the issues must be dealt with in the local council. This gives the suggestions and recommendations from the assembly a certain leverage, although they are not legally binding.