Municipality acquires extravagant coffee machines priced at €13,400
In the heart of Ortenaukreis, Lahr's city administration has made a unique addition to its facilities. Two luxury coffee machines, each costing around 13,400 euros, have been installed in the council chamber and a multi-purpose hall for "representative uses and external events."
The press office confirmed that these coffee machines are not of the usual standard in the administration. The larger machine, chosen for meetings, training, and seminars, was a necessary upgrade due to the unavailability of the previous round filter coffee machine.
The coffee machines have been operational since May 2024, and they are expected to pay for themselves in less than three years. The acquisition of these machines was informed to the main and personnel committee in 2023.
However, the purchase has sparked debate in Lahr. Some question the cost-effectiveness of the investment, while others argue that the machines will enhance the city's reputation for hospitality.
Employees using the coffee machines in meeting rooms are required to cover the costs. On the other hand, coffee can now be brewed as needed for events in the multi-purpose hall in Bürgerpark, eliminating waste from leftover, stale coffee after events.
The cost for the renovation, equipment, and installation of the tea kitchen (including the coffee machines) amounted to around 30,000 euros. During the renovation, the tea kitchen line in the council chamber was replaced.
The town hall defends the purchase, stating that it will streamline coffee service and provide a higher quality product for important meetings and events. The coffee machines have already been featured in local news outlets such as the "Schwarzwälder Bote" and "Badische Zeitung."
It is important to note that these coffee machines are not related to the topics of heating and renovating plans for heat networks in Stuttgart, Thomas Müller moving to Canada, or the incident of lighting a cigarette from a Paris memorial flame.
The purchase of these luxury coffee machines in Lahr's city administration is a testament to the city's commitment to providing exceptional service and hospitality. Whether it proves to be a cost-effective investment remains to be seen.
The purchase of these luxury coffee machines, totaling approximately 26,800 euros combined, is not typical in Lahr's city administration's facilities. In the future, these machines are anticipated to cover their own costs in under three years, adjusting the budget for representative uses and external events in the council chamber and the multi-purpose hall.
