The share of own revenues in the budgets of rural executive committees of the Vitebsk region will be at least 70%

February 17, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The share of own and fixed revenues in the budgets of rural and settlement executive committees of the Vitebsk region in 2010 should be at least 70%, Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Council of Deputies Alexander Atyasov told a BELTA correspondent. The decree No. 21 "On enhancing the role of local administration and self-government bodies", adopted in January 2007, contributed to the increase in revenues of primary level budgets and the reduction of their subsidization. The legislative act changed the system of forming primary level budgets. Now, personal income tax, land tax, property tax, fees from contractors, and resort fees remain at the disposal of the primary level. In 2009, the share of own and fixed revenues reached 73% compared to 65% in 2008. As of January 1, 2010, free balances in the accounts of primary level budgets reached Br5 billion. These funds will remain at the disposal of rural executive committees and will become an additional source of funding for works most important for people's livelihoods. It is possible that some will need to update or repair equipment used for processing private gardens, some will need to improve wells or top up roads. Local councils took advantage of the right granted to them to increase land tax and property tax rates for certain categories of taxpayers. Another source of income will be off-budget funds. This year, they have been established in all districts. As Alexander Atyasov emphasized, local authorities now face an important task: to increase their own revenues, reduce subsidization, and rationally use budget funds. There are 12 settlement councils and 199 rural councils operating in the Vitebsk region. -0-