The Split Dalmatia County Assembly has adopted a new budget for 2019.
The announced total amount of the budget is one billion and 64 million kuna, which is 13.5 percent more than the approved budget revision for 2018. The budget increase was mostly due to the estimated 80 million kuna for the construction of the Waste Management Center in Lećevica and the 120 million kuna expected through EU funds, reports Dalmatinski Portal on November 26, 2018.
“One of the most important documents issued by the local or regional self-government during one calendar year has been issued today. It is the primary financial document, the financial framework, and the budget and the image of the county development strategy,” said Split-Dalmatia County Prefect Blaženko Boban in a press release and described in detail the main emphasis from the County’s budget for 2019.
“For the first time, the Split-Dalmatia County budget exceeds one billion kuna, namely one billion and 64 million kuna. Of course, this is partly because of the Regional Lećevica Waste Management Center, which the County and institutions relying on the County will withdraw from EU funds. In particular, I would like to emphasize more than 50 new measures that are very visible in the new budget, of which I will outline the Program for co-financing the construction and adaptation of family houses in the rural areas of the county, and we will make a special decision with clear criteria when deciding on a budget of who will and under what conditions can we apply for these funds. Another thing I want to point out is the co-financing of project documentation for EU funds to local self-government units which we haven’t been able to prepare documentation for yet or apply to various funds because we did not have the funds secured for it,” Boban said.
“Economic development incentive projects continue with the same measures as in 2018. I also emphasize the energy renewal of schools for which the Ministry has already approved. Just like in 2018, we will continue for 2019, and we will upgrade 12 or 13 schools. For the construction of transport infrastructure, we rely on the adopted Plan of the Republic of Croatia from the session held on May 4 this year in Split, through projects that will hopefully be adopted in the state budget and budget of Croatian Roads: from the Kozjak tunnel, to Split road agglomeration, and the fast road Mravinci – TTTS and further towards Omiš. Finally, I would like to highlight some valuable projects to be funded from EU funds: Hidden Habitats of the Jadro River Source, the planned purchase of 16 firefighter trucks for which we have already started with the procurement process, and we expect eight of such vehicles for the new firefighting season. In this regard, I would like to note the project documentation for the Southeastern Europe Firefighting Training Center, which is a prerequisite for this center to be located in our County. The discussion was very constructive as most councilors accepted our recommendation to send their amendments early so that our expert services could be analyzed and eventually accepted. Of the 17 amendments that have been made, we have embedded seven in our measures, and four amendments we have fully accepted,” concluded Boban.
A significant drop in planned revenues and expenditures is expected in 2020 to about 910 million kuna, while the proposed budget for 2021 is projected to be around 915 million kuna, the meeting also revealed.
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