Bjelovar’s 2024 budget has been set at €89 million, a whopping 50% increase from the previous year. Mayor Dario Hrebak attributes this significant rise to 20 capital projects that will be financed through European funds. These projects include the restoration of six earthquake-damaged buildings, energy renovation of eight buildings, construction of three new kindergartens, beginning construction of a new elementary school, equipping the business zone in Veliki Korenovo, and continued investment in geothermal wells.
Hrebak emphasized that this will be Bjelovar’s largest budget in history and is both realistic and achievable. He also highlighted the fact that this city boasts the lowest income tax rate in Croatia at just 18%, or 28%, making it the largest Croatian city with the lowest income tax.
The mayor expects that families in Bjelovar will enjoy an additional average salary on an annual basis due to this budget increase. Furthermore, despite reducing and eventually abolishing the surtax, Bjelovar’s coffers remain well filled. In fact, Hrebak stated that the city earned 25% more in revenue in the same month compared to the previous year.
One of Hrebak’s biggest promises was that there would be no increase in communal fees and that kindergarten costs would remain among the lowest in Croatia. This budget was met with support from coalition partners ABB Association’s Zdenka Henc, HSS’s Borislav Kozić, and independent councilor Dražen Medved during a budget conference. Unfortunately, HDZ’s Nenad Martinovski was unable to attend due to official duties.
In summary, Bjelovar’s 2024 budget is set at €89 million and includes financing for 20 capital projects through European funds. The mayor expects families to enjoy an additional average salary due to this increase while keeping communal fees low and kindergarten costs among the cheapest in Croatia. The budget received support from all coalition partners except for HDZ’s Nenad Martinovski who could not attend due to official duties.