City council passes resolutions under the watchful eye of the Bundeswehr
According to official statements, it is considered a tradition for the city council to hold its meeting outside the council chamber before the summer break.
Additionally, citizen participation is ensured. You simply need to register at the gate of the Elb-Havel Barracks with a valid ID before 4:00 p.m. and will then be escorted by security personnel to the meeting room.
This is the Heraldic Hall, where the joint New Year’s reception of the city and the Bundeswehr takes place annually and thus—as quoted from the city’s press release—“a rare opportunity to gain insight into the local Bundeswehr facility.”
In terms of topics, attendance is also worthwhile. Here are three items from the public agenda:
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Increase in property tax rate B. There are two options for voting. In one, it becomes more expensive for everyone—in the other, some pay more and others less.
Originally, the reorganization of property tax was not supposed to lead to higher costs, but this political promise dates back to 2018.
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The city receives 150,000 euros as a gift from the wind power industry and in return, the planning office for the land use plan is selected in agreement with the contract partner.
The contract can be requested at the town hall. In this respect, the city government is transparent.
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Agenda item 11 is titled “Resolution on a contract for vehicle use.” Sounds like it would hardly be worth mentioning? The reality is that a new vehicle was purchased with everyone’s money (= city treasury), which is used exclusively by the mayor for both official and private purposes.
In the main and finance committee, the mayor stated that he would also pay something privately. He left the amount open, and unfortunately, by editorial deadline, there was no response from the town hall as to whether this contract would be as accessible to citizens as the one with the wind power company.
Residents can ask questions!
During the citizens’ question time—agenda item 2—residents of the unified municipality of Havelberg can ask questions. The procedure is to raise your hand once the item is called, state your name—for the record—and that you are from Havelberg. Then you ask your question to the city council chairman, who either answers himself or asks the mayor, other council members, or the administration to respond. Two follow-up questions are allowed.
If the question cannot be answered immediately, you will receive a written response afterward. The question time is limited to 30 minutes. It is not intended for making speeches.
Want to participate?
Arrive at the gate of the Elb-Havel Barracks on Wilsnacker Straße between 3:15 and 3:45 p.m. Be sure to bring a valid ID card or passport. Be prepared for security checks, as indicated in the official invitation and agenda.
Editorial Opinion
It is a lovely tradition that the city council holds its summer session at different locations, allowing for deeper insights into interesting institutions within the municipality. This is also advantageous for us citizens, as we too can gain these insights during the public part. Of course, this comes with time and location adjustments. For some, it’s a hurdle; for others, a welcome opportunity. 👍
What question would you like to ask the city government?
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