Mayor's budget proposal for 2026: Tuusula balances income and expenditure 

Tuusula will continue to be one of Finland’s most vibrant municipalities. The municipality continues to attract new residents and businesses, but the general economic situation has challenged municipal finances everywhere.  

The slowdown in economic growth and rise in unemployment are reflected in lower than expected tax revenues. The government’s budget proposal includes further cuts in state subsidies.  

We must ensure that the economic base remains stable even during weaker economic cycles. For this reason, we must strive to balance our operating budget in a determined manner, even in the longer term. Investment needs and the resulting increase in debt contribute to this need for stabilisation, says Mayor Janne Mellin. 

Balancing the operating budget 

Municipal expenditure is under pressure to grow due to factors such as wage increases in the municipal sector, legislative reforms to learning support and increases in the share of payments for employment and economic development services. In 2026, municipal operating expenses will total EUR 200.3 million. Adjustments totalling more than EUR 4 million have been made to operating expenses in order to curb spending. Expenses will grow by 2.1% next year. 

“We will continue to make determined adjustments in the coming years so that our operating budget is not dependent on land sales revenue,” says Mayor Mellin. 

In 2026, state subsidies are expected to amount to €31.3 million. The Ministry of Finance’s budget proposal includes cuts, which will cause uncertainty regarding income in the coming years.  

The goal for the 2026 budget is to achieve a zero result. The municipality will raise taxes moderately: a municipal tax rate of 7.30 per cent is proposed to the council (in 2025, the tax rate was 7.10 per cent). With the tax rate increase, tax revenue is estimated to amount to EUR 116.4 million. 

Investments in vitality and well-being 

− Over the past decade, we have been determinedly promoting important investments that improve services for municipal residents. In January, a multi-purpose arena was completed at the Sports Centre, further improving the opportunities for a wide range of activities throughout the year. The renovation of the swimming pool will be completed in the first half of 2026. The new school and daycare centre in Rykmentinpuisto and the new school building in Riihikallio were opened in August. The construction of the Lahela school, daycare centre and youth centre will begin in 2027, says the mayor. 

Municipal investments for 2026 will remain at a high level, totalling €52.7 million, including the water utility. EUR 17.8 million will be invested in buildings, EUR 20.6 million in municipal engineering (roads, transport routes, parks, etc.) and approximately EUR 6.5 million in the water and sewerage network. 

− As part of projects by external property investors, the Särmä business and service centre will be built in the municipality next year, significantly improving commercial services in Hyrylä and centralising municipal services in one location. In cooperation with the welfare sector, we are planning a new social and health centre, which is scheduled for completion in 2028. By the end of the same year, an additional railway track in Jokela, promoted by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, should also be completed, the mayor continues. 

Attracting residents and businesses – plots for sale 

Tuusula has existing land reserves for new residents, and business areas are being developed to meet the needs of companies. The development of the Focus area north of the airport is continuing. Once completed, the Focus area will offer a total of up to one million square metres of building rights. There is space for substantial growth investments and new jobs.  

In 2026, land sales revenue is expected to total €12.3 million. 

Responsible debt management and loan portfolio 

The implementation of investments has increased the loan portfolio, and by the end of the financial planning period, the municipality will have taken out new loans totalling €62.5 million. Investments are prioritised in order to manage the loan amount. 

The loan amount is estimated to grow to €326.4 million by the end of 2026. The per capita debt at the end of 2026 will be €7,660.    

Over the next five years (2026–2030), municipal loans worth €65 million will need to be refinanced. Given current market interest rates, refinancing existing loans and taking out new loans will increase interest costs in the future.  

Key economic indicators for 2026 (forecast) 

The key financial figures for the municipality of Tuusula and its water utility are presented in the table. 

Contact details 

Mayor Janne Mellin, janne.mellin@tuusula.fi, +358 40 314 3249 

Permanent Secretary Annaliisa Oksanen, annaliisa.oksanen@tuusula.fi 

Chief Financial Officer Kari Ora, kari.ora@tuusula.fi

This content has been translated using AI