A recent study commissioned by Geneva City’s management looks at the costs of running the City. The total cost was CHF 290 million in 2013. After contributions from neighbouring communes including those in France, Geneva City was left with a net bill of between CHF 180 and 200 million. It is estimated that around 60% of this net spending benefits residents of communes in Geneva outside the City.
The greater Geneva region has a system of tax transfers (la péréquation in French) that moves money around between communes, including transfers between Geneva and France. This study is a preliminary part of a planned reshuffle of commune tasks and tax transfers.
Geneva’s mayor Sami Kanaan said, if we take into account the tax transfers between Geneva City and France we are around even, however the same cannot be said for Vaud where there is no specific money transfer.
Sandrine Salerno, the administrative councillor in charge of finances, concludes that not all users are participating proportionally to the City’s costs and this and the role Geneva plays as the principal city in the region must be taken into account as part of the coming reforms.
More on this:
Close to 200 million of costs for Geneva city (Ville de Genève – in French)
