Stepanakert Mayor Urges Citizens to Be More than Just Supportive in Words

Today, a regular session of the Stepanakert City Council was held, presided over by the Mayor of Stepanakert. This was reported by the municipality of Stepanakert.

“Before moving on to the agenda, Davit Sargsyan expressed gratitude to the municipality staff and council members for uniting during the wartime and for being responsive to the issues of the population, regardless of political views or party affiliations, demonstrating consistency and unity in resolving these issues. Although there are no longer military operations, the consequences of the war are still fresh. Unfortunately, human losses are irreversible, but the neutralization of the devastation is possible. Efforts will be made to restore the city to its pre-war appearance as much as possible. Both state and community resources, as well as private investments, will be involved in this process.

The Mayor specifically addressed the issues faced by displaced residents. Naturally, the primary concern is housing. There are also numerous daily difficulties. Davit Sargsyan urged not to support them merely with appeals but to take real actions. He is always ready to assist compatriots in distress within the framework of his powers and capabilities. In cases where there are vacancies in institutions under the municipality's supervision, priority will be given to those displaced residents living in Stepanakert.

The war also affected the municipality’s budgetary income. Specifically, until January 1 of the coming year, citizens are exempt from paying for supplied drinking water and waste collection. For one year, property tax will not be required for vehicles belonging to those who lost their lives or were injured in the 2020 war, provided they present the corresponding documentation.

At the start of the session, Davit Sargsyan also informed the attendees that council member Grigori Sargsyan’s powers are being terminated early due to his transition to another job. The main agenda included financial block issues, presented by Marat Hambardzumyan, head of the municipality's finance and budget department. The council acknowledged the report on the execution of the city community’s 2020 budget for the first nine months. During that period, total revenues amounted to 1,072,239.4 thousand drams, compared to the planned 1,306,822.0 thousand drams, with an execution rate of 82.0%. 28.5% of total revenues came from own income, of which the performance rate is 84.4%. The budget expenditures were financed at the level of 1,072,322.2 thousand drams, which is 81.3% of the planned 1,318,429.0 thousand drams.

A decision was made to set the rates for the local taxes and fees for the year 2021, as well as the rents for properties deemed part of the community. A portion of the budget reserve fund was allocated to compensate council members for the nine-month and annual expenditures of 2020.

At the end of the meeting, the importance of targeted work and caring attitude towards citizens was re-emphasized. The Mayor's call-suggestion was welcomed by council members, particularly highlighting the importance of community committees' active participation in addressing the concerns of the displaced residents.