Kielce County Committee Approves 2026 Budget Surplus and Expands Job Support Programs

The Kielce County (Powiat Kielecki) Committee on Local Government, Economic Development and Unemployment, chaired by Wojciech Furmanek, reviewed the 2025 financial results and presented draft changes to the multi‑year financial forecast and the 2026 county budget. The 2025 budget, originally projected to run a 35 million‑zloty deficit, instead generated revenues of over 323 million zloty and expenditures of about 303 million zloty, closing with a surplus of 20.5 million zloty and no new loans, leaving total debt at 17.5 million zloty.

Unemployment in the county fell to 7.6 percent at the end of May, marking a continued monthly decline. The County Labour Office reported that 80 start‑up grants were awarded this year, with most already disbursed. It also introduced a new Service Point for people up to 30 years old, offering comprehensive job‑search assistance, psychological support and guidance on public services. Two upcoming projects, “From Inactivity to Activity” for recent job‑losers and “Your New Path” targeting women re‑entering the labour market, were announced.

Council members discussed health‑care infrastructure, confirming a planned investment of over 11 million zloty to expand the hospital in Chmielnik, with additional funds for equipment, and continued modernization of the hospital on Prosta Street in Kielce. These measures aim to improve patient care and working conditions for medical staff.