The Narva City Council has approved this year's budget at 134 million euros, a decision characterized by Mayor Katri Raik as conservative despite a substantial allocation for investment projects. Approximately a quarter of the budget will go towards various infrastructures, including road maintenance, sidewalk repairs, and the construction of a new kindergarten and school. Raik emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in infrastructure even during tough financial times, highlighting several ongoing projects such as the renovation of a dormitory and the expansion of the central square at Stockholmi Square.

Despite the budget approval, there are concerns among city residents regarding the lack of provisions for direct financial assistance during difficult economic times. However, there is some good news for early childhood educators and interest school teachers and coaches, as they will benefit from salary increases. Raik expressed the challenges of balancing immediate financial support with the necessity of funding long-term projects that aim to improve the city's facilities and services.

The opposition within the City Council has voiced dissatisfaction with the new budget, claiming that their proposals were rejected without proper consideration. Urbo Vaarmann, the leader of the political alliance "Plaan B Narva linna pulss," criticized the ruling party for not accommodating the suggestions that could have benefited the residents more, indicating a potentially contentious political climate as the city approaches the next election with ongoing debates about financial management and public service delivery in Narva.