To date, the capital has generated 92 percent of its revenue from this year's budget, which amounted to 153 million euros.
This was stated, among other things, by Balša Špadijer, Secretary of the Secretariat for Financial Affairs and Budget Analysis, during the central discussion on the Draft Budget of the Capital City for 2026.
According to him, the budget for next year is projected to exceed 160 million euros.
He announced that the financing of the Capital City next year will rely on its own revenues, as more than 64 million euros have been planned for that purpose.
According to the Draft, the capital city's credit debt will amount to eight million, and that money will be directed towards the construction of an above-ground garage.
If the councilors agree, the real estate tax will amount to around 16,6 million euros. The real estate transfer tax, as envisaged in the Draft, will amount to 4,2 million.
Revenues from municipal equipment and urban rehabilitation are planned at the level of 15,8 million euros.
He said that almost 4,9 million euros have been planned for cultural and sports institutions. These expenditures, Špadijer said, are 600.000 euros higher than this year's budget.
According to the draft budget, capital projects will amount to almost 90 million euros. Thus, 53 million is planned for local infrastructure, while the construction of roads, garages and bridges could cost the city five million euros.
The construction of a shelter under Ljubović Hill in Zabjelo could cost 400.000, while the amount planned for Vojislavljevića Boulevard is 2,5 million euros. If the councilors adopt the budget of the Capital City for next year, the repair of municipal and uncategorized roads will amount to eight million euros. Eight million euros are planned for the arrangement of cemeteries in the territory of Podgorica...
"The transfer to the Tourist Organization (TO) Podgorica for organizing events has been increased," said Špadijer.
Councilor Srđan Perić asked what happened to European Mobility Week and whether it was included in the budget for next year.
"I believe that you know that this is not a large amount of money, but it is important for the promotion of alternative modes of transport."
He was also interested in whether the city administration could provide access to "the complete financial documentation of Radio-Television 'Podgorica".
"Unfortunately, that television has turned into a tool of political pressure," said Perić.
Špadijer said that the delivery of 11 buses is expected by the end of the month, and that "the bidding process for smart traffic lights in Podgorica has been completed."
European Union councilor Budimir Mugoša asked why 2,5 million euros were allocated for Vojislavljević Boulevard, as well as when the road would be completed.
"RTV 'Podgorica' would not receive a single euro if the position of 51 percent of its own production was respected. The Citizens' Service still takes more than 200.000 euros from the Budget. I would like to see what the Service has done so far," he said.
Špadijer said that the first phase of Vojislavljević Boulevard is being worked on intensively, and that he expects "a temporary situation to be established soon" in that part of the city.
"Next year, we expect the second phase to be implemented. The capital city is acting as a co-financier of this project. Our projection is that the complete construction of Vojislavljević Boulevard will cost 5,3 million euros."
He added that the Capital City Citizens' Service regularly submits reports to the city administration.
Citizen Radmila Radenović asked how much funding the municipality has allocated for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and children.
"How much detail do you deal with this? Are you aware of how many families have this need, and how big the problems are?"
Špadijer said that the Capital City, through competitions with NGOs, is providing more funds, and that they are planning to purchase vehicles for transporting people with disabilities.
"I believe that with these funds we will be able to support these activities. The funds are increasing, but they are not always enough to cover everything," said Špadijer.
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