Description
Pressing need: to further increase the institutional capacity of NAMRB in order to be able to respond to its member’s needs and expectations.; necessity of capacity building and accumulating knowledge in three priority objectives, identified and coordinated as a result of conducted surveys and feedback from representatives of Bulgarian local authorities. Capacity building for development of efficient dialogue with central authorities and activities of local authorities; Improved framework and capacity building for sustainable and transparent local finance management; Development of efficient forms of inter-municipal cooperation for public service provision. KS will contribute by providing a mix of political (KS board members and other elected officials) experience, professional expertise and practical management tools.; The main results will be improved regulatory framework; improved NAMRB's capacity to better serve its members and new municipal management practices introduced.
Summary of project results
The key achievements related to project objectives are as follows: - Pro-active initiatives to improve legislation and to safeguard the prerogatives of local authorities. NAMRB has prepared comprehensive position papers on some 54 legal acts. As a result, 54 amendments were introduced in 21 acts (laws, government decisions, and ministry ordinances); - We have accomplished an enormous analytical effort preparing: proposal for introduction of a municipal income tax for individuals, concept for a new Local Tax Law, methodology for calculation of municipal waste collection charges. In doing so, we have analysed the status quo of municipal finances and responsibilities, especially those which must be fulfilled without a secured source of revenue; - Modification in the method for calculation of the membership fee, collected from municipalities, and introduction of a 5% reduction for those, which have paid their dues by April 30th. Owing to these measures, the membership fee collection rate has increased by over 10%; - Creating an opportunity for associated membership by municipality-owned companies. NAMRB already has 11 associated members, including municipal hospitals, water supply and other utility companies. In this regard we highly appreciate the support of KS and the shared experience in cooperation with municipality-owned companies; - Preparation of useful hands-on manuals for newly-elected mayors and councillors, including one on inter-municipal cooperation; - Conducting a useful and successful training for newly elected mayors and councilors with speakers from the Norwegian Association of Municipalities - Methodological support for the creation of an investment fund - New buildings and equipment at the Center for training of local authorities - Construction of the Internet basing platform for local finance - The Project activity on inter-municipal cooperation was augmented by the establishment of a new form of collaboration - a Fund for municipal solidarity. The core purpose of the Fund is to accumulate reserves through voluntary contributions from each municipality, which then can be used to the benefit of local authorities beset by calamities. The Fund shall not supplant existing government support actions/policies in the field of disaster mitigation.
Summary of bilateral results
OUTPUTS/ OUTCOMES INDICATORS Target Achieved Sources of Verification Comments/Explanations Exchanged experience between NAMRB and Barents Secretariat in the field of cross border and inter municipal cooperation Participation of 1 representative from NAMRB in meetings on cross-border and inter municipal cooperation with NBS and representatives of local authorities in Norway 1 1 Activity report Participation in the the 6th Cooperation Committee under the program BG 11 “Capacity building and institutional cooperation” of the Norwegian financial mechanism 2009-2014, March 30th, 2016 in Sofia Participation of 1 representative from NAMRB in meetings 1 1 Activity report