Drumbeat in the County Council: No Rise in Music School Fees
In a recent council meeting, a proposed fee increase for the symphonic wind orchestra and the adult education centre (Volkshochschule) has sparked debate among local politicians.
The district administration has proposed a 10% increase in fees for music schools in the Rostock district, which would see the fee for the symphonic wind orchestra rise from 132 euros to 264 euros. This significant increase has raised concerns, with some suggesting it could potentially endanger the orchestra.
Hans-Werner Moltzen, leader of the AfD/BD faction, stated that increases for things meant for the citizens were not feasible in the current economic situation. Torsten Renz, CDU faction leader, disagreed, pointing out that school leaving certificates would remain free and various benefits would be included.
The symphonic wind orchestra, however, presents a unique case. It consists of adults who do not take lessons and are currently not charged. Under the proposed increase, they would be required to pay 132 euros annually, which would increase to 264 euros.
The original motion and the SPD's motion for fee increases in the adult education centre were both rejected. However, the fee regulation of the adult education centre was largely accepted, and the increase was approved by the majority. The specific amounts of the fee increases for the adult education centre were not provided in this paragraph.
Deputy Anja Kerl (SPD) described the increase as moderate. Paul Kruse (SPD) disagreed, stating that the increases were between 10 and 18%. He also criticized the administration for providing incorrect figures regarding the fee increase.
County Council President Veikko Hackendahl (CDU) warned that the SPD's motion with adjusted fees might be illegal, as there was no calculation by the administration. The AfD/BD faction completely rejected both increases in the music school and the adult education centre.
It's worth noting that the symphonic wind orchestra's volunteers, who secure, organize trips, participate in the orchestra council, and take on leadership functions in section rehearsals, would be affected by the fee increase. Until a few years ago, these volunteers did not have to pay anything in the symphonic wind orchestra.
Lutz Ritter (SPD) and Anja Kerl agreed that if reasonable offers in the future were not ensured through moderate fee increases, there might not be any Volkshochschule offers left, which would be cutting off our nose to spite our face.
There is no information available about the planned additional costs for ensembles without a main subject at the Music Conservatory of the Rostock Circle. The ensemble without a main subject, which includes various ensembles in instrumental, dance, and singing areas, would see fee increases of up to 100%.
The debate continues as local politicians grapple with the implications of these fee increases and their potential impact on the community.
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