Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/206559 
Year of Publication: 
2019
Series/Report no.: 
Arbeitspapier No. 10/2019
Publisher: 
Sachverständigenrat zur Begutachtung der Gesamtwirtschaftlichen Entwicklung, Wiesbaden
Abstract: 
We study the fiscal policy reactions of municipalities in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia to an unanticipated spending shock. The implementation of a horizontal transfer system led to additional contributions for selected municipalities. Using the quasi-random assignment, we examine whether these contributing municipalities adjust their tax setting behavior, respond by adapting expenditures, or incur debt in the short run. We find a sizable increase of net borrowing. This increase is even higher than the expansion of spending. Municipalities additionally refrain from increasing tax rates. The results point to delayed fiscal adjustments. We conclude that the design and the predictability of transfer systems have significant implications on the behavior of municipalities within decentralized systems.
Subjects: 
local public finance
local taxation
public debt
fiscal shocks
JEL: 
H71
H72
H77
R50
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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