Dronten plans to borrow tens of millions of euros in the coming years to help finance its intended growth to 60,000 residents by 2050. The investments would include school buildings and infrastructure, marking a change from recent years, when the municipality paid for projects from its own assets. Alderman for Finance Barry Hoogezand said the borrowing felt uncomfortable but was necessary and did not represent an unacceptable financial risk.

The higher debt will increase interest costs for the municipal budget, prompting Dronten to scrutinize the investments more closely. Hoogezand said some projects could be postponed by one or two years, although he did not specify which ones. He said Dronten remained in the average category across the relevant financial standards.