Kherson budget for healthcare, transportation and emergency response was cut

Kherson has reallocated almost 50 million in the community budget for 2026. Funding priorities were changed to healthcare, utilities, transportation, security, and management needs.

This was reported by the Center for Public Investigations.

Yaroslav Shanko, the head of Kherson MVA, approved changes to the budget of the Kherson City Territorial Community for 2026. The total amount of the budget revision is more than UAH 50.9 million.

As part of these changes, the Department of Municipal Economy of the Kherson City Council received the largest amount of additional funding. More than UAH 39 million was allocated for its programs, which makes the municipal sector one of the main budget priorities. Significant funds were allocated to housing and utilities, transportation, and road infrastructure.

Almost UAH 18 million was allocated to ensure the operation of enterprises and institutions that provide housing and communal services. Another UAH 7.4 million will be allocated for other needs of the housing and utilities sector. Significant funding is also provided for the transport sector: about UAH 9.7 million will be allocated for the maintenance and development of vehicles, and another UAH 1.93 million for road maintenance.

The medical sector also receives significant support. The Healthcare Department will receive UAH 7.83 million. Of this amount, more than UAH 5.35 million is earmarked for inpatient medical care, almost UAH 2.45 million for primary care, and dental services will be financed separately. This allocation of funds demonstrates the city authorities' commitment to maintaining the basic medical system even in wartime.

A separate place in the updated budget is occupied by the security block. UAH 1.3 million has been allocated for measures to prevent and eliminate emergencies and the consequences of natural disasters. Another UAH 1 million in the form of a subvention to the state budget is planned to be transferred to the Patrol Police Department in Kherson Oblast for the purchase ofCyclone electronic warfare equipment or similar equipment.

In fact, this is about strengthening the technological part of security in the region, which is constantly facing drone attacks and other aerial threats.

At the same time, the budget changes demonstrate a reduction in the city's financial reserve: the reserve fund was cut by more than UAH 13 million. This may mean that the administration has relied on financing current urgent needs instead of accumulating funds in the reserve.

The picture in the cultural sector is less positive. Funding for libraries was increased by UAH 46.3 thousand, but the same amount was simultaneously taken away from other cultural and artistic programs. That is, it is not an expansion of spending on culture, but a redistribution of already limited financial resources.

Separate budget allocations are also provided for administrative and management programs, economic initiatives, membership fees to local government associations, and support for the activities of certain city government structures.

In March, Kherson also updated its housing and communal services budget for 2026: more than UAH 102 million was allocated for utilities and the maintenance of the city pump room. The plan provides financial support for two utility companies and covers new administrative costs.

Анна Бальчінос