Kalkan Turkish Local News attended the November Kalkan Belediye Board meeting this week.

The meeting wasn't that well attended, with only 9 members of the public present.

Here is our report of what was discussed.

The main agenda item was a report on the finances of the Belediye.  The finance manager read out his report, and a Board member went through a number of items that the Belediye makes a charge for.

We can't go through every item, but we have pulled out a few interesting points for you.

The Budget for 2012
The Kalkan Belediye budget for 2012 is 8.3 million TL.  At current exchange rates that is about £3 million.  Given that Kalkan's official population as at 31st December 2010 was 3,173, that works out at 2,616 TL per person, (about £934).

The budget has balanced, in that planned spending equals expected revenue.  [Editor: It makes a refreshing change from what we see in the EU, doesn't it.]

Water charges
The charging structure will change from 1st January 2012.

The 2011 charges are as follows: Per cubic metre, per charging period (normally bi-monthly). KDV (tax) included.

• Up to 25 cubic metres: 0.95 TL
• 26 to 50 cubic metres: 2.30 TL
• 51+ cubic metres: 3.90 TL

Charges for 2012 are as follows: Per cubic metre, per charging period (normally bi-monthly). KDV (tax) included.

• Up to 45 cubic metres:  1.05 TL plus 10 kuruş cleaning tax = 1.15 TL
• 46 to 65 cubic metres: 2.50 TL plus 10 kuruş cleaning tax = 2.60 TL
• 66+ cubic metres: 3.50 TL plus 10 kuruş cleaning tax = 3.60 TL

The Belediye has restructured the charges following analysis of water usage.  They say that a typical user will pay less under this tariff, and their 2012 budget assumes a reduction in income in the region of 250,000 TL.

And interestingly, from next year, there will be just one tariff for both personal and business customers.

Septic tank emptying
Charges have gone up by 10%.  The following charges apply, per visit:

• Kalkan town centre: 70 TL
• Outside the town centre: 80 TL
• Outside the Belediye boundary (outlying areas): 120 TL

There were a few more topics discussed after the finances were dealt with.

The Belediye confirmed that it is to support the local Likya Festival initiative.  KTLN reported on this in last month's Belediye meeting article.

There were just two subjects raised by the public. 

Street animals
A local Turkish man complained to the Belediye about street dogs.  He almost came off his scooter when a pack of dogs ran at him.  He also said that his children were afraid to be out on the streets, due to the number of dogs roaming in packs.

The Mayor acknowledged the problem and said it is a difficult issue to deal with.  As far as we could understand, no specific action will be taken.

Security cameras
KTLN raised the question of security cameras, in the light of ongoing burglaries in Kalkan.  Some time ago, the Jandarma suggested the installation of a good quality system, comprising 13 cameras, located at key points around town.  Quotes were obtained, and the Belediye was asked to follow this up.

The Jandarma are convinced that the burglars are from out of town, and they say that similar camera systems in other coastal locations in the west of Turkey, are helping to catch criminals.

The Mayor said that a couple of camera systems are being looked at.  The Belediye is keen to ensure that any company chosen to install the system, is capable of providing a high standard of after sales service.  They are talking to other towns that have had systems installed.

Whilst this is encouraging, we came away from the meeting with no idea of proposed timescales for any installation.

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