The Outokumpu City Council convened on June 8, 2026. At the beginning of the meeting, the results of the Finnish Federation of Entrepreneurs' Municipal Barometer were presented to the council. The Municipal Barometer provides current information on companies' views on the operations and vitality of municipalities and serves as an important tool in developing the local business climate. The CEO was consulted as an expert. Merja Blomberg from the North Karelian Entrepreneurs Association and the chairman Anne-Mari Karttusta From the Outokumpu Entrepreneurs Association.
Outokumpu is the best entrepreneurial municipality in North Karelia in the latest Finnish Entrepreneurs' Municipal Barometer. In addition, the city rose to sixth place in the national comparison of small municipalities - improving its ranking by as much as 49 places. The Finnish Entrepreneurs' Municipal Barometer is based on responses from almost 12,000 entrepreneurs from all over Finland. The survey was carried out in early 2026, and it is the most extensive of its kind to date. 357 responses were received from North Karelia, which is a clear increase compared to the previous survey.
Audit Board's assessment report: the economy developed positively – the future requires long-term solutions
The Audit Committee has assessed the performance of the City of Outokumpu's operations and finances for 2025 in relation to the goals set by the council. The purpose of the assessment is to support the council's steering and decision-making work by producing independent and comprehensive information on the city's operations.
The City of Outokumpu's operations and finances in 2025 have developed mainly in a controlled manner, according to the audit committee's assessment. The surplus for the financial period indicates successful financial management and the ability to adapt to a changing operating environment. The positive development was particularly influenced by better-than-expected financial income and operating margin. However, the good result does not eliminate longer-term challenges. The decline and aging of the population are weakening the tax revenue base, while the need for services is increasing. The committee emphasizes the importance of strengthening vitality, promoting employment and diversifying the economic structure. It also emphasizes the clarity of objectives, the consistency of reporting and a closer connection between strategy, budget and investment planning. The evaluation report supports the council's decision-making and contains the committee's observations and recommendations for developing the city.
The council approved the 2025 financial statements
The City Council has approved the 2025 financial statements of the City of Outokumpu and granted discharge from liability to the members of the institutions and senior officials for the financial period 1 January–31 December 2025. The Council also noted the audit report for information. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable regulations. The year 2025 was financially positive: the city's surplus for the financial period is 4,4 million euros, and there is no uncovered deficit in the balance sheet. The cumulative surplus is 16,7 million euros. The city group's finances are also positive. The group's surplus for the financial period is 2,0 million euros and the cumulative surplus totals 22,9 million euros.
Decisions on the sale of properties
The city council decided to sell to the North Karelia Welfare Region:
- social welfare center building for 7,65 million euros
- rescue station building for 2,93 million euros
The total value of the transactions is approximately 10,6 million euros. The purchase price of the buildings is based on Government Decision VM/2026/36, in which the Government has decided to amend the borrowing authority of the North Karelia Welfare Region for 2026. One of the conditions for amending the borrowing authority in the decision is that the balance sheet value-based pricing is adhered to in real estate acquisitions and that the balance sheet values reported by the municipalities for 2025 are used at most. In addition, with regard to a possible plot transaction, the price for the welfare region was set at 255,392.80 euros, if the region decides to purchase the plot.
The city council also decided to sell several individual properties at its meeting.
The decisions concern the following properties and shares:
- Sänkinotkonkatu 3
Plot 5 of block 710 with its buildings (property code 309–7‑710–5) is sold to Yuri Milyuhin for a purchase price of 10,000 euros. - Jokikumpu, Suvisrannantie 27
The property R:No 45:9 with its buildings (property code 309–406-45–9) is sold to Juuso Huttunen for a purchase price of 3,600 euros. - Kummunkatu 24
Plot no. 4 of block 501 with buildings (property code 309–5‑501–4) is sold to Hojo-Matkat Oy for a purchase price of 10,000 euros. - Asunto Oy Vaskitasku, Mikonkatu 14 B 16
The shares entitling to ownership of the apartment (numbers 19866–21846) are sold to JH Karvonen Oy for a purchase price of 500 euros.
All stores follow the city's standard terms of sale, and any incidental costs incurred by the stores are the responsibility of the buyers.
A council initiative was also submitted at the meeting to improve advertising at Vanha Kaivos.
The next city council meeting is in August. Have a nice and peaceful summer!
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