The 19th Ordinary Meeting of the Municipal Council of the Municipality of Spata-Artemida took place yesterday, Tuesday 8 September 2026, via videoconference. Critical issues facing the municipality were discussed at the meeting, but the discussion was dominated by fierce criticism from the opposition regarding the budget revision and the use of the direct award method.
The ‘magic’ figure of 37,200 euros During the vote on the budget amendment, there was a strong reaction regarding specific budget lines that raise questions. As the opposition pointed out, three entirely different municipal needs were budgeted at exactly the same amount, namely 37,200 euros.
Specifically, this sum was allocated as follows:
For the supply of cleaning products.
For the installation of lightning conductors.
For the pre-earthquake inspection of municipal buildings.
The opposition, in voting against this particular amendment, levelled sharp criticism, emphasising that the amounts “border on” the upper limit for direct awards permitted by law. The argument put forward was that this is a standard practice of the local council designed to avoid the tendering process and the search for lower (and better) prices on the market.
Flood compensation & essential items for the needy Another issue raised by the councillors was what had happened to the budget line relating to the provision of essential goods to our fellow citizens in need. The administration explained that, to avoid the risk of ‘fragmentation’, the aid would be provided through other tenders for food and stationery that are already underway.
Furthermore, on financial matters, a sum of 26,000 euros was approved, provided by the Ministry to repair the damage caused by the recent floods in our area.
Schools and Discounts on Water Bills Under the final items on the agenda (16th and 17th), the council proceeded to ratify the minutes of the Tax Dispute Resolution Committee (Article 32). It is worth noting that, regarding the matters examined, it was decided to grant a 50 per cent discount on water bills for eligible residents, with the main and minor opposition parties largely abstaining. Finally, reference was made to cooperation with school headteachers regarding the management of matters relating to the municipality’s schools.
Stay tuned to iartemida.gr for all the latest developments, reports and decisions concerning the Municipality of Spata-Artemida.
Source (YouTube URL): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbL-AMxXPtM
