Bellinzona 2025: better than expected, deficit reduced

Context

In brief

• 2025 deficit: 2.7 million CHF
• Improvement: +10.7 million vs budget
• Investments: 25 million CHF

Key facts

• What: 2025 Financial Statement of the Municipality of Bellinzona
• When: Approved on April 29, 2026
• Where: Bellinzona, Canton Ticino
• Who: Municipality of Bellinzona
• Amount: Deficit of 2.7 million CHF (budget: -13.4 million CHF)
• Improvement: +10.7 million CHF compared to the budget
• Investments: 25 million CHF net
• Population: Over 47,000 residents
• Expenditures: 235.8 million CHF
• Revenues: 233.1 million CHF
• Self-financing: 12.72 million CHF (+8 million CHF vs budget)

The Municipality of Bellinzona has approved the 2025 financial statement, which closes with a deficit of 2.7 million CHF, improving by 10.7 million CHF compared to the budget that indicated a "red" of 13.4 million CHF. This result allows maintaining own capital above 60 million CHF. The city has made investments of 25 million CHF net against a backdrop of demographic growth, with the population exceeding 47,000 residents.

Expenditures and revenues

Expenditures amount to 235.8 million CHF, while revenues amount to 233.1 million CHF (excluding internal debits and credits). Compared to the budget, expenditures have decreased by 0.4% (-1 million CHF) and revenues have increased by 4.3% (+9.7 million CHF). Self-financing stands at 12.72 million CHF, an increase of 8 million CHF compared to the budget and 2.2 million CHF compared to the 2024 financial statement.

Containment of expenditures

The improvement compared to the budget is due to a containment of expenditures and revenues higher than expected, including tax revenue. Expenditures for personnel have only increased in constrained situations, mainly in nursing homes and at the Centro Somen. The financial situation appears balanced, even if cantonal policies weigh on the municipal budget. In the biennium 2024-2025, they entail greater burdens or lower revenues of 7.2 million CHF annually.

Impact of cantonal policies

The trend is set to intensify with the implementation of the two initiatives on the incidence of health insurance premiums voted on by the people in September 2025. These additional burdens represent a challenge for the municipal budget, despite the improvement recorded in 2025.

Comparison with other municipalities

Other municipalities in Ticino have also recorded positive results. For example, Mendrisio closed the 2025 financial statement with a surplus of 0.8 million CHF, while Lugano recorded a surplus of 23.7 million CHF thanks to exceptional tax revenues. However, the Canton of Ticino as a whole closes with a deficit of 32.5 million CHF, improving by 64 million CHF compared to the budget, also thanks to contributions not expected from the Swiss National Bank.

Implications for cross-border workers

The financial results of Bellinzona may have implications for cross-border workers who work and reside in the municipality. A balanced budget can translate into greater stability of public services and a more favorable environment for investments. However, the increase in burdens resulting from cantonal policies could indirectly affect cross-border workers as well, especially in terms of services and infrastructure.

Future prospects

Despite the improvement recorded, future challenges remain significant. The implementation of the initiatives on health insurance premiums and the increase in cantonal burdens will require careful management of resources. For cross-border workers, it is important to monitor the evolution of the municipality's financial situation, which could influence the quality of services and infrastructure available.

Operational details

Analysis of Expenses and Revenues

The 2025 financial statement of Bellinzona reveals a containment of expenses and an increase in revenues compared to the budget. Personnel expenses have only increased in specific sectors, such as elderly homes and the Centro Somen, while in other areas they have been contained. This approach has allowed for a reduction in overall expenses by 0.4%, saving 1 million francs.

Revenues Exceed Expectations

Revenues have registered an increase of 4.3%, equivalent to 9.7 million francs more than budgeted. This increase is partly due to tax revenue exceeding expectations. A balanced budget is fundamental to ensuring the stability of public services and to attracting investments, elements crucial for cross-border workers who choose to live and work in Bellinzona.

Impact of Cantonal Policies

Cantonal policies have a significant impact on the municipal budget. In the biennium 2024-2025, they result in additional burdens or reduced revenues of 7.2 million francs annually. This trend is set to intensify with the implementation of initiatives on the impact of health insurance premiums, voted on by the people in September 2025. These additional burdens represent a challenge for the municipal budget, which will need to find a balance between the need to maintain quality services and resource management.

Comparison with Other Ticino Municipalities

Bellinzona is not the only Ticino municipality to register positive results. Mendrisio closed the 2025 financial statement with a surplus of 0.8 million, while Lugano registered a surplus of 23.7 million thanks to exceptional tax revenues. However, the Canton of Ticino as a whole closes with a deficit of 32.5 million, improving by 64 million compared to the budget, also thanks to unexpected contributions from the Swiss National Bank.

Implications for Cross-Border Workers

The financial results of Bellinzona can have implications for cross-border workers who work and reside in the municipality. A balanced budget can translate into greater stability of public services and a more favorable environment for investments. However, the increase in burdens resulting from cantonal policies could indirectly affect cross-border workers, especially in terms of services and infrastructure.

Future Prospects

Despite the improvement recorded, future challenges remain significant. The implementation of initiatives on health insurance premiums and the increase in cantonal burdens will require careful management of resources. For cross-border workers, it is important to monitor the evolution of the municipality's financial situation, which could influence the quality of services and infrastructure available.

Conclusion

The 2025 financial statement of Bellinzona represents a positive step towards a more balanced budget. However, future challenges require careful management of resources and constant monitoring of cantonal policies. For cross-border workers, it is fundamental to stay informed about the financial developments of the municipality in order to plan their future effectively.

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Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers living and working in Bellinzona, it is important to monitor the evolution of the municipality's financial situation. A balanced budget can ensure the stability of public services and a favorable environment for investments. However, the increase in burdens arising from cantonal policies could indirectly affect cross-border workers, especially in terms of services and infrastructure.

Concrete steps

1. Monitor official communications: Stay up-to-date with the communications from the Municipality of Bellinzona regarding financial policies and planned investments. 2. Participate in public consultations: Participate in public consultations and debates on the municipal budget to express your opinions and needs. 3. Plan your expenses: Consider the impact of cantonal policies on your personal finances and plan accordingly. 4. Use the available tools: Take advantage of the tools provided by the municipality, such as tax assistance services and support programs for families. 5. Stay informed: Follow local and national news to stay updated on the developments of cantonal policies and their impacts on the municipal budget.

Useful tools

For cross-border workers who wish to deepen their knowledge of financial policies and investments in Bellinzona, several useful tools are available. The tax calculator can help estimate taxes and pension contributions. Additionally, the permit comparator can provide useful information on the requirements and procedures for obtaining and renewing residence permits.

Conclusion

The 2025 financial statement of Bellinzona represents a positive step towards a more balanced budget. However, future challenges require careful management of resources and constant monitoring of cantonal policies. For cross-border workers, it is fundamental to stay informed about the financial developments of the municipality to plan their future best. Using the available tools and actively participating in public consultations can make a difference in the quality of services and infrastructure available.

Source: rsi.ch