The execution of the Capital City's budget for 2024 indicates a serious imbalance between costs and the real needs of citizens, said today Ilija Mugoša, a councilor of the Party of European Progress (SEP) in the Assembly of the Capital City of Podgorica.
As he said, while projects are delayed and capital expenditures are not realized, money is spent on secondary items.
"At this moment:
- 1,4 million euros were spent on service contracts, which represents 98 percent of the implementation of that budget item,
- 700.000 euros were spent on court costs, - Fuel costs were realized in the amount of 85 percent.
On the other hand, key developmental functions are completely neglected:
- 0 euros were allocated for projects, staff training and international cooperation,
- 0 euros for development studies, which should define the future of the city
"The 'Radosav Ljumović' library spent twice as much on service contracts as on the purchase of books (70.000 euros compared to 33.000 euros)," Mugoša said.
According to him, despite planned investments, capital expenditures have only been realized by 64 percent, while funds carried over from the previous year are still at a high level - around 23 percent of the budget, which indicates poor implementation of previous plans.
"Property tax, although a key source of revenue, was collected at the level of 21 million euros, even though the price of apartments in Podgorica increased by over 30% in the previous year. Also, the audit of the final account warns of:
- Unimplemented territorial demarcation with newly formed municipalities;
"Lack of valuation for over 3.000 court cases, where the fiscal risk for the Capital could exceed 100 million euros," he said.
As Mugoša said, this way of managing the budget does not reflect the priorities of citizens.
"Instead of directing funds towards infrastructure projects, social and cultural needs, they are spent on consulting services and administrative costs. Without clear priorities, accountability and control over the spending of funds - there is no real progress. Citizens deserve transparent and purposeful management of the city budget," Mugoša concluded.
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