If the situation in Bolesławiec had to be presented briefly, it would be entirely justified to use the word "misery." Most of the city’s finances are simply being "consumed," while only a small percentage (approx. 5.4%) of the city budget will be allocated to investments in 1996—as in previous years. For comparison, other cities allocate several times more funds for this purpose, but of course, we are poor. We cannot afford it.
We also cannot afford to create more extracurricular activities in primary schools. Everyone knows how much trouble we are having with the government subsidy being too small, following the takeover of primary schools by urban and rural municipalities on 1 January this year. And if anyone dreams of such additional extracurricular activities, they should appreciate what was planned in the City Budget Draft for 1996: "(...) financing two subject clubs for two hours per week." Two interest clubs for two hours a week each! It is hard to know whether to laugh or cry. But, of course, there is no money...
So where did the money come from for increasing the salaries of City Office employees by more than 50% in 1996? This is despite the planned increase in employment at the Office by only 3.5 full-time positions. A provision for such a substantial salary increase was included in the City Budget Draft for 1996. Last year, 7.3 billion old złoty was allocated for this purpose. This year, approximately 11.4 billion old złoty is planned to be spent. The budget has not yet been adopted by the councillors, while responsibility for its preparation lies with the City Board.
The whole affair reeks of an ordinary scandal. When, for example, children finish primary school inadequately educated because the number of lessons (drastically cut by the Ministry of National Education) is insufficient to complete the curriculum, such a move by the local authorities is simply arrogance toward the residents of our city.