Starting from May 1 large cities will be able to amalgamate with surrounding villages and urban-type settlements under a simplified procedure. This novelty applies to Ivano-Frankivsk as well.

The "Reporter" spotlights the way it will happen and future results.

Mutually beneficial union

According to the perspective plan, Ivano-Frankivsk can amalgamate 15 village and settlement councils around – those bordering with with the city. Though Yuriy Stefanchuk, executive director of the Ivano-Frankivsk regional department of the Association of Ukrainian Cities, says that since the elections in the Zahvizdyanska and Uhrynivska AHs have already taken place, we can only consider 13 of them. Although he assumes that over time these two villages can join the Ivano-Frankivska AH as well.

He also explains that a starosta, who will actually serve as the head of the village council, will be a member of the executive committee of the city council and will have a direct influence on decision-making, that is, will determine the priorities of his village development.

The city is getting ready

At the last session of the city council, the deputies approved the Procedure for conducting public discussions on the voluntary amalgamation of hromadas. Therefore, they prescribed the rules for such discussions.

After discussion, the proposal for a voluntary amalgamation will be submitted to consideration of the session, that will decide on the consent and delegation of the representative to the joint working group.

One just has to start

Yuriy Stefanchuk assumes that it takes just 2-3 months for amalgamation to start. The process will follow the simplified accession system – for the Ivano-Frankivska AH to form a desire of several villages will be enough, others will be able to join later. As for the voluntary process, it will continue until the country amends the legislation, and, according to public statements of high-level officials, it may end quite soon.

Today, the city is preparing for consultations and discussions to ensure cooperation and mutual understanding with the surrounding villages. According to the mayor, Pidpechery and Rybne have already expressed their readiness to access the AH. Chukalivka agrees to join as well.

The full version is available in Ukrainian – please click HERE