Civil Insight: The 2024 Draft Budget for the Dibrans

In the commitment according to the law “On public notification and consultation”, for which we have communicated not only with the public but also with the Commissions of the Assembly and the Good Governance Unit of the Government, we have committed ourselves to essential changes to adhere to some basic principles of governance.

Organizing the consultations in the budgeting process, and beyond this period, stems from the obligation for accountability, which must stem from detailed and exhaustive analyzes that consider the applicability of the political program through monitoring the decisions of the Municipal Council, but also the performance of the Municipality and the mayor hers.

Since the decision-making of the local government originates from the electoral process and the local political program, then citizen monitoring should always be on the lookout for actions in their implementation, since it is the political colors that have convinced them to vote for the local government that they have create the conviction that he will implement what he promises.

Meanwhile, public opinion comments, which include different categories and layers of the local community, should be conducted based on the qualified comment of the citizen through the selected expertise.

The law on the financing of local self-government units does this, but there are no provisions regulating the participation of citizens in the procedures for making decisions of local importance. Furthermore, there are no administrative sanctions for non-inclusion of citizens in decision-making processes and for non-disclosure of information and accountability.

From our survey and survey there is less consensus on what level of engagement is desirable and what form it should take. It can be in the form of: (a) public calls for consultations with interested citizens, civil society organizations, or local businesses regarding the next year’s budget; (b) permanent budget forums or advisory groups (budget councils), (c) meetings with local communities (urban/rural), (d) online questionnaires, (e) informal conversations with citizens, etc.

The preparation of budget requests is proceeding on a journey defined in the legal basis, as well as the reference documents for the preparation of the MTB 2024-2026.

MFE instruction for the preparation of the Local MTB 2024-2026.

Format for completing the MTB 2024 – 2026

Strategic Development Plan/Local General Plan (territorial plan, social plan, economic development plan, environmental protection plan), of the LGU;

Macroeconomic and Fiscal Framework 2024 -2026

Medium Term Budget 2024-2026 budget ceilings approved by the District Council.

The priorities of the Municipality are seen to be related to the level of distribution of expenses, but also policies which have a focus of several years and which are presented as important for the development of the city and citizens in the framework of the objectives that originate from the Local Development Plan and Strategies for the development of area according to Sustainable Development objectives.

The main priorities expressed in the programs and policies of Dibër municipality are part of the political program and within the framework of fulfilling the objectives of the central government.

Enjoy the reading!