Municipality acquires high-end coffee machines priced at €13,400
In a move aimed at enhancing the city's facilities for meetings, training, and seminars, the Lahr city administration in Ortenau district has purchased two luxury coffee machines, each costing approximately €13,400. The coffee machines, which have been in operation since May 2024, were part of a renovation project and have sparked debate in the city.
The purchase decision was based on several criteria, including minimal personnel involvement, easy operation, an automatic cleaning system, direct water connection, and fast drink preparation. A larger coffee machine was chosen instead of the previous round filter coffee machine to cater to the needs of the numerous events that take place in the city.
The coffee machines, installed in the council chamber and a multi-purpose hall for "representative purposes and external events," have brought about relief for the caretaker, as they no longer have to prepare coffee for these gatherings. Leftover coffee after events in the town hall can now be brewed exactly as needed, reducing waste.
The tea kitchen line was also replaced as part of the renovation of the council chamber. The costs for the renovation, equipment, and furnishing of the tea kitchen, including the coffee machines, amounted to around €30,000. The costs for renting the coffee machine trolley for events in the multi-purpose hall in the citizen's park are covered from the budget for operating costs for buildings.
Despite some local discussions in various municipalities about expensive coffee machines for public offices, a widespread controversy specifically about Lahr's city administration and luxury coffee machines is not documented in major sources or news. A search of relevant search results did not yield any results concerning the cost, justification, or payoff period of the coffee machines.
However, the purchase of the coffee machines has led to some debate in Lahr, with some questioning the necessity and cost of the luxury machines. For the city administration, the investment is expected to pay for itself in less than three years.
As the debate continues, residents and visitors to Lahr can now enjoy a cup of coffee in the council chamber and multi-purpose hall, prepared by the new luxury coffee machines. For those hosting events in the multi-purpose hall in the citizen's park, the coffee machine trolley is now available for rental.
In the context of the renovation project, the city administration opted to invest in a luxury coffee machine worth approximately €13,400, with the intention of catering to the city's numerous events and reducing waste. Furthermore, within the city's budget, finance allocated for building operations covers the cost of renting a coffee machine trolley for events in the multi-purpose hall located in the citizen's park.
