Lausanne, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) - City budgets have possibly never been more difficult to plan, with the impact of the global economic crisis leaving forecasts with large question marks over them. In this context, Lausanne’s city council Wednesday labouriously approved a 2009 budget, finally opting for a CHF10.1 million expected deficit.

City manager Daniel Brélaz was nevertheless quick to point out that if the situation does not worsen, Lausanne could find itself with a surplus of CHF5-10 million, or if the economy swings the other way, the deficit could grow to CHF20-30m (related story, 24 Heures, Fre). The budget the city will submit is, in any event, coloured mainly by caution. Gas, oil and electricity costs will increase by nearly 30%.  At the same time, a bright note for the city is that tax revenue will be  up by CHF4.9m thanks to low unemployment and a “dynamic” local economy.

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