Tampere city council approves €6.6m sale of central fire station to Pirkanmaa welfare region

On Monday, Tampere city council approved the sale of the central fire station at Satakunnankatu 16 to the Pirkanmaa welfare region for just over €6.6 million, Tamperelainen reported.

The move follows earlier reporting on Pirkanmaa’s planned purchase and the council’s pre-decision notice ahead of Monday’s vote.

The deal transfers both the building and the land to regional ownership. It forms part of council measures aimed at rebalancing the city’s finances.

Councillors revised the current-year budget after updated forecasts signalled weaker tax revenues, rising unemployment benefit costs and adjusted income and spending projections across service areas.

Net operating costs for core services have fallen, but a gap in tax income and higher unemployment expenses push Tampere toward a significant deficit. The city now estimates a €59.3 million shortfall for the financial year.

Council also discussed the city’s overall operational and financial situation and considered initiatives for an internationalisation voucher and tram feeder services.