Residents Gather in Nordby to Discuss Unprecedented Municipal Budget Cuts in Fanø

Anxiety and concerned expressions marked the faces of over 200 residents from Fanø who gathered at the health house in Nordby for a town meeting on Thursday evening. The meeting aimed to discuss the municipal budget for 2025, which, according to the island’s mayor, includes unprecedented cuts affecting both children and the elderly. Although the municipality has received an additional 19.3 million kroner from the government, there remains a shortfall of 20 million kroner, equating to nearly ten percent of the total budget.

Mayor Frank Jensen opened the meeting with visible sadness, acknowledging the difficult situation. He detailed the extensive review of expenses undertaken to address the budget gap, indicating that cuts were being sought in every corner of the municipal finances. Residents, such as Sofie Exner Koch, expressed concern about the dramatic nature of these cuts, likening the situation to a dismantling of the community.

Local politicians are proposing various savings measures, including reducing cleaning services for the elderly, cutting public transport, and closing one of the three daycare centers, specifically in Sønderho, where Koch resides. She is now reconsidering her family’s future on the island given the potential loss of local resources.

The proposed savings have been put forward for public consultation, including the closure of the Bakskuld daycare, hiking daycare fees, and other service reductions. Mayor Jensen emphasized that significant cuts can only be alleviated with support from the national government, urging that the island’s needs be recognized in the broader context of national economic strength. Local representatives are advocating for increased funding to ensure the sustainability of their community.