Innovative practices in Bulgaria
Sharing innovations for improving local self-government
Exchange of Experience between Svishtov & Belene Municipalities
Municipality of Belene
Background
Even though they are different in size, Svishtov Municipality and Belene Municipality are faced with similar problems. There are problems in every area for which the City is responsible: from street cleaning to administrative services, from zoning to the co-ordination among departments and information support. The two local governments then, decided to launch a series of meetings, trying to learn from one another and forge working solutions to their common problems.
Even though they are different in size, Svishtov Municipality and Belene Municipality are faced with similar problems. There are problems in every area for which the City is responsible: from street cleaning to administrative services, from zoning to the co-ordination among departments and information support. The two local governments then, decided to launch a series of meetings, trying to learn from one another and forge working solutions to their common problems.
Practice
On March 5, 1999, Svishtov hosted the first meeting with Belene. It involved staff from the Privatization Departments; the Control of Local Business Departments to discuss enterprise classification methods, new business licensing arrangements, planning and implementation of outlet inspections, issuing fines and their judicial review, registration and information gathering. Counterparts from the Administrative Services and Civil Registrar Departments exchanged experience regarding domicile registration and the issuance of new identity cards. The two Cities also discussed their respective relationships with various central agencies, with which they have to deal on a daily basis. People from the local community centers agreed on concert visits and various joint cultural activities. The Social Assistance Service of Svishtov offered to help Belene set up a similar service.
The idea to start such an exchange was welcomed by the Belene City Hall officers, and good relations between the two administrations have been established since. The two Cities do have a lot in common: they are located close to one another, they are both members of the Association of Municipalities?; people from Belene use the local hospital in Svishtov and parents send their children to schools in Svishtov. The City officers feel that they should know their counterparts in Svishtov and rely on their assistance.
The people at the Svishtov City Hall also regard the initiative as very useful. Svishtov needs good neighborly relations with Belene because its people go to work there and rely on public services in Belene, and Svishtov children attend schools in Belene. The meeting has enhanced the confidence of Svishtov City officers and has motivated them to be creative in solving their daily and longer-term problems.
On March 5, 1999, Svishtov hosted the first meeting with Belene. It involved staff from the Privatization Departments; the Control of Local Business Departments to discuss enterprise classification methods, new business licensing arrangements, planning and implementation of outlet inspections, issuing fines and their judicial review, registration and information gathering. Counterparts from the Administrative Services and Civil Registrar Departments exchanged experience regarding domicile registration and the issuance of new identity cards. The two Cities also discussed their respective relationships with various central agencies, with which they have to deal on a daily basis. People from the local community centers agreed on concert visits and various joint cultural activities. The Social Assistance Service of Svishtov offered to help Belene set up a similar service.
The idea to start such an exchange was welcomed by the Belene City Hall officers, and good relations between the two administrations have been established since. The two Cities do have a lot in common: they are located close to one another, they are both members of the Association of Municipalities?; people from Belene use the local hospital in Svishtov and parents send their children to schools in Svishtov. The City officers feel that they should know their counterparts in Svishtov and rely on their assistance.
The people at the Svishtov City Hall also regard the initiative as very useful. Svishtov needs good neighborly relations with Belene because its people go to work there and rely on public services in Belene, and Svishtov children attend schools in Belene. The meeting has enhanced the confidence of Svishtov City officers and has motivated them to be creative in solving their daily and longer-term problems.
Results
The meetings of City officers from the two Municipalities will develop into a lasting co-operation to the benefit of both communities. The first impressions are decidedly positive. Further meetings are being planned among officers and local Mayors. In fact, the date has already been set for the next one, to be hosted by Belene in May 1999.
The shared conviction is that the two Cities can be of help to one another and are pursuing the same goal, i.e., the modernization of local government to enhance the quality of public services.
The meetings of City officers from the two Municipalities will develop into a lasting co-operation to the benefit of both communities. The first impressions are decidedly positive. Further meetings are being planned among officers and local Mayors. In fact, the date has already been set for the next one, to be hosted by Belene in May 1999.
The shared conviction is that the two Cities can be of help to one another and are pursuing the same goal, i.e., the modernization of local government to enhance the quality of public services.
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