The share of own revenues in the budgets of rural executive committees of the Vitebsk region reached 69.2%

June 17, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The share of own and earmarked revenues in the budgets of rural and settlement executive committees of the Vitebsk region for January-May 2009 reached 69.2%, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies Alexander Atyasov told a BELTA correspondent. As of January 1, 2009, this figure was 65.1%. The subsidization of primary budgets based on the results of five months decreased from 34.9% as of January 1, 2009, to 30.8% as of June 1, 2009. As Alexander Atyasov noted, the growth of own revenues of rural executive committees and the reduction of subsidies were facilitated by Decree No. 21 "On Enhancing the Role of Local Government and Self-Government Bodies," which changed the system of forming primary level budgets. Now they have 24 revenue sources, including income tax, land tax, property tax, fees from procurement agents, and resort fees at their disposal. Local Councils have exercised their right to increase land tax and property tax rates for certain categories of taxpayers. Another source of revenue is off-budget funds. This year, they have been established in almost all districts. According to Alexander Atyasov, the increase in sources for budget replenishment stimulates local executive committees to create new enterprises, ensure the stable operation of existing ones, and develop trade, services, and tourism in rural areas. Local budget expenditures are directed towards housing and communal services, improvement of rural territories, and water supply. As of June 1 of the current year, own and earmarked revenues of the region's primary level budgets exceeded Br9.8 billion. As Alexander Atyasov emphasized, local authorities now face an important task: to increase own revenues, reduce subsidization, and rationally use budget funds. There are 215 primary level Councils of Deputies operating in the Vitebsk region. -0-