Association against municipality

Siegendorf’s “petty war” becomes a major problem

Difficult times for ASV Siegendorf - off the pitch.

(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

The clinch between ASV Siegendorf and the municipality is entering the next round. And it seems to be reaching its climax. The club is demanding open subsidy payments, which according to Mayor Stenger do not exist. Club president Krenmayr threatens legal action!

The initial situation. Around two years ago, a new cabin facility was built at the Siegendorf sports ground. The cost: 200,000 euros. The municipality contributed 30,000 in funds. And then, step by step, there was a "small war" between the two sides, which has now reached its peak - and is obviously becoming a major problem for the whole of Siegendorf.

The club is insisting on an outstanding payment of 23,000 euros! Which, according to President Peter Krenmayr, is still outstanding due to a promised grant from the municipality - worth 65,000 euros. "We have reduced the outstanding 35,000 to 23,000. But to date, we haven't seen a cent of this from the municipality." In addition, further sums have not yet been paid - for various other things. "In total, we're talking about 90,000 euros that are owed to us. This is a massive loss for ASV Siegendorf. But the mayor obviously doesn't care about that at all. Her own sensitivities are more important."

ASV President Peter Krenmayr.

(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

And Krenmayr goes one step further. "If at least the 23,000 is not transferred to our account in the next few weeks, we will take legal action and sue for the entire amount, i.e. the 90,000 euros." To repay the costs of the stands and canteen (the new stands at ASV were also built a few years ago), the sports club transfers 630 euros to the municipality every month.

We are only renting, the sports ground belongs to the municipality. But the mayor is not interested in the club, it seems.

ASV-Präsident Peter Krenmayr über Bürgermeisterin Rita Stenger

"But we've now put a stop to that. If we don't get any money from them, they won't get any from us either." Postscript: "We are only renting, the sports field belongs to the municipality. But the mayor is not interested in the club as it stands. We have 100 children in our youth program, but the municipality doesn't have a cent to spare. That's outrageous."

"Not a concert of wishes"

Siegendorf's mayor Rita Stenger has clear words in response. "They still haven't paid the outstanding 7500 euros for the grandstand and canteen renovations. If they fail to do so, Krenmayr will clearly be in breach of contract."

She also firmly rejects the accusation that the municipality owes the association money. According to Stenger, there is also no legal entitlement to municipal funding. "This is not a wishful thinking on the part of the president. Apparently, for whatever reason, he is not afraid to invent any claims without any basis and therefore not afraid to misuse the municipality's tax money to maintain his expensive squad."

"Freudian economy"

The (final) bone of contention was and still is the municipal funding for the tennis club in Siegendorf. Here, 40,000 euros were added for a renovation of 160,000. This annoys Krenmayr. "Stenger's husband is the treasurer there. They were granted the amount without presenting any invoices. That's an unbelievable act of unfairness and unbelievable behavior on the part of the mayor, who is obviously bashing the club."

The new cabins in Siegendorf were built in 2022.

(Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch)

Stenger, on the other hand, refuses to accept this and fights back. "That's simply not true. The tennis club has submitted all the invoices. Apart from that, the traditional club has not received any additional funding for years. Such accusations are in bad taste and unworthy of a president. To date, ASV is the best supported club in Siegendorf. The municipality supports the ASV with 6,000 euros annually and covers more than two thirds of the total costs for the grandstand and canteen in the form of annual repayments to the developer. This is also about credibility and fairness towards the other clubs and, above all, the taxpayer. As mayor, it is my responsibility to treat all clubs equally."

What happens next?

Even if things are going well in sporting terms for the leaders of the Burgenland soccer league, an amicable solution to the problem seems unthinkable at the moment. The fronts are too hardened. "She obviously doesn't like a few board members in the sports club. But she always wants to play it down to Krenmayr versus the municipality. But we are now going on the offensive, even if they try to belittle us and don't allow other opinions," says the president.

He is driving a wedge into our population, denouncing and threatening people in our community and knows no boundaries. This must come to an end.

Siegendorfs Bürgermeisterin Stenger über Krenmayr

Stenger, on the other hand, wants the club to continue. But without Krenmayr! "Once again, these are baseless attacks by him on the municipal council and me personally. We are Siegendorf and our community with all its clubs is very important to us, unfortunately that cannot be said of Mr. Krenmayr. He drives a wedge into our population, denounces and threatens people in our community and knows no boundaries. This must come to an end at some point. As I am often told, the population would like Mr. Krenmayr to finally stop making outrageous demands for taxpayers' money."

Nevertheless, she can imagine working with the ASV. "Definitely with chairman Stefan Strommer, who is clearly only trying to keep his club alive in the best possible way."