The Kukes Municipality Council held its last meeting for this year today, approving all agenda items, especially the annual budget, which amounts to 1,143,548,000/-. 60% of this amount will go to the salaries of municipal employees, while 40% of the amount will be translated into the realization of investments in 38 public works in this local government unit.
The point that sparked a lot of debate and tension in the hall was that of local taxes for 2025.
Initially, councilor Astrit Dobrushi requested information on the legal basis on which the Tax Directorate in the Municipality of Kukes is based for drafting taxes for the next year, but the response of the director of this office, Përparim Guri, has aggravated the debate.
A situation not at all worthy of discussion was the verbal debate between representatives of a renewable energy association and the mayor of Kukës, Albert Halilaj.
The debate deteriorated between the representatives of this association and the mayor:
Lawyer: Please sir, please! It's very dominating, it was a decisive tax, which takes up a considerable place in your budget.
Mayor: Next time, I'm sorry, when you come next time...
Lawyer: No, I won't come next time, but I came with him once...
Mayor: I am very handsome…. (Laughter in the meeting room).
Lawyer: I didn't come with it without you. I have a much nicer one at home.
Mayor: Bring me the status of the company...
Lawyer: We are introduced by e-mail in an official way. Sir, first of all, show respect for once, that we are not here at the cafe and look me in the eye, because this type of communication is not worthy of the position you hold. And if you would be so kind as to listen that there are about 30 people here….
Mayor: The citizens of Kukës voted for me and I will protect their interests.
60% of local taxes are collected from hydroelectric power plants in the Municipality of Kukës.