Corfu, May 14 – The Municipal Council of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands, in its session yesterday, re-approved the decision to increase municipal cleaning and lighting fees for 2025. This re-affirmation addresses a formal procedural issue that arose after the Council of State declared the initial decision unenforceable.
Re-confirmation of the Decision
The proposal for the fee increase was presented by the Deputy Mayor of Finance, Fani Tsimbouli. Mayor Stefanos Poulis, intervening in the discussion, cited the legal department’s recommendation to defend the retroactive nature of the decision. He emphasized that this retroactivity does not create an obligation to refund previously paid amounts.
The initial decision to raise the fees for 2025 had faced a procedural challenge, leading to its declaration as unenforceable by the Council of State. The Municipal Council’s latest move aims to rectify this by following the correct formal procedure, ensuring the continuity of the planned fee adjustments.
Waste Management Plant Project Update
Mayor Poulis also provided an update on the progress of the waste management plant project in Corfu. He informed the council that the project’s funding had been delisted from the previous NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework) program. It is now expected to be integrated into the new NSRF, with a revised character, now being referred to as a “Recycling Recovery Unit.”
This re-designation reflects a broader trend across Greece for similar facilities. Poulis stated that existing legal and political commitments appear to secure the project’s realization, with funding expected to be secured in the near future. This development is crucial for Corfu’s long-term waste management strategy.
Implications for Residents
The increase in municipal fees for 2025 will affect residents’ bills for cleaning and lighting services. The Mayor’s stance on the retroactive nature of the decision suggests that no refunds will be issued for amounts already paid under the previously deemed unenforceable decision.
The Municipal Council’s focus on procedural correctness underscores the importance of legal compliance in local governance. The re-affirmation of the fee hike, despite previous challenges, indicates the municipality’s commitment to its financial plans for the upcoming year.
Future Outlook
The successful re-integration of the waste management plant project into the new NSRF and its re-characterization as a Recycling Recovery Unit are significant steps towards modernizing Corfu’s environmental infrastructure. This project, once completed, is expected to enhance the island’s capacity for sustainable waste management.
The decision regarding municipal fees, while potentially unpopular with some residents, is presented as a necessary measure to ensure the continued provision of essential services. The municipal authorities are working to balance the financial needs of the municipality with the impact on its citizens.
