Lahr, Germany – A hefty price tag for two high-end coffee machines has stirred controversy in Lahr, with officials defending the roughly €13,400 purchase, plus €17,400 for accompanying roll containers, as necessary for official functions.
The town hall stated that these machines, installed in May 2024, are for events with a “representative character or for external use” in a multipurpose hall, distinguishing them from standard administrative equipment. Discussions first emerged following reports from local media outlets.
New Kitchenette follows Renovation
The purchase was part of a larger renovation of the municipal council’s tea kitchenette, which cost approximately €30,000 in total for furnishings and equipment. The previous coffee machine was obsolete, with no spare parts available.
Did the city overspend on coffee?
The management claims the new machines were chosen after a comparison of various models, prioritizing low staffing needs, ease of use, automatic cleaning, a fixed water connection, and fast beverage readiness. They anticipate the investment will be recouped in less than three years.Employees will be charged for personal use in meeting rooms.
Plans for the new equipment were presented to the main and personnel committee in 2023.
Event Rentals and Efficiency Gains
The machines are also available for rent at events held in the multipurpose hall within the Bürgerpark, including large gatherings hosted by the state fire brigade association and public forums. The costs were covered by the budget for building management expenses.
The new setup offers a meaningful betterment for the caretaker, who previously brewed coffee manually. This upgrade also aims to reduce waste, as coffee can now be prepared precisely as needed, avoiding stale leftovers.
clarification of Changes & Answers to Questions:
Why: The city purchased new coffee machines and accompanying roll containers because the previous machine was obsolete and lacked spare parts. The new machines were also intended to improve service during events and reduce waste.
Who: The Lahr Town Hall administration made the purchase. The controversy involves local media, the main and personnel committee, and citizens of Lahr. What: lahr Town Hall spent approximately €30,800 (€13,400 for the machines and €17,400 for roll containers) on new coffee machines and related equipment. This sparked debate over whether the expenditure was justified.
How did it end? The article doesn’t state a definitive end. It presents the situation as ongoing, with the administration defending the purchase and anticipating recouping the investment within three years through event rentals and employee charges.
*Breakpoints & interactive Boxes
