Allotment gardeners in a frenzy: Second home tax is causing a stir!

Allotment gardeners in a frenzy: Second home tax is causing a stir!

The allotment gardeners in Templin are concerned about the second home tax. At the last meeting of the city council in the Multicultural Center, almost all seats were occupied as numerous garden owners sought information about the new tax levy on their gazebos. The dispatch of notices to hundreds of allotment holders has caused a lot of uncertainty, and the city administration is under pressure to give clear answers. This is reported by the Northern Courier.

At this meeting, the AfD parliamentary group presented a motion that called for a change to the city's statutes regarding the collection of the second home tax. Garden gazebos are currently exempt from this tax in accordance with the Federal Allotment Garden Act. The proposal also aimed to exempt all members of non-profit allotment garden associations from the tax, but did not find the necessary majority and was put on the back burner. A vote on this did not take place after a motion on the rules of procedure was accepted by Sven Albrecht (CDU), who referred the AfD motion to the committees.

The voices of the allotment gardeners

Klaus Herrmann, chairman of the allotment garden association “Neuer Weg” e.V., was disappointed with the decision to continue the discussion in the committees. Kathrin Eyke, deputy chairwoman of the allotment garden association for Röddelinsee 1816 e.V., represented the positions of the allotment gardeners in the residents' question time. She argued passionately that gazebos are not legally apartments and therefore should not be subject to second home tax. Eyke also expressed concerns about the proportionality between the tax revenue and the associated administrative burden.

The mood among allotment holders is tense, as many do not understand why they should be burdened with a tax that is fundamentally unjustified. The discussion is being followed with interest and it remains to be seen how the city administration will respond to the citizens' suggestions.

In a completely different world, news dominates the music industry, where, among others, singer and television personality Katy Perry, who was born on October 25, 1984, is causing a sensation. The artist, who has sold over 151 million records, was named the world's highest-paid musician in 2015 and 2018 and has never left the stage, despite all the challenges. Her early successes with hits like “I Kissed a Girl” and “Firework” made her one of the defining figures in pop music. Interestingly, their range of talents and influence could also provide a contrast to the current community challenges of allotment farmers who are fighting for their rights in their own way.

The debate about the second home tax and the associated concerns of allotment holders shows that commitment at the local political level is just as important as the international successes of artists like Perry, who spread messages about creative freedom and self-realization. It remains to be hoped that the city of Templin will do justice to the concerns of its citizens and find a solution that is fair for everyone involved.