Cooperation between municipalities of Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel

Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel remain independent

The municipal councils of Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel spoke out on Thursday, June 22, about the future of cooperation between the two municipalities. A far-reaching decision was made for our organization. A majority in the municipal councils in Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel want to remain independent and stop cooperating in the operating company. 

Because the operating company has been under pressure for some time, the colleges asked for clarity from the councils about the future of the cooperation. 'Hjoed ha we krigen de rjochting foar us mienskiplike organisaasje, de werkmaatschappij, wer we om frege ha,' says alderman Tytsy Willemsma of Tytsjerksteradiel. 'This beslút jout dúdlikens, mar hat ek grutte ympakt op de organisaasje en ús meiwurkers.'

The consequences of this decision for both municipalities should become clear in the coming time. 'Wy sille der alles oan dwaan dit net fan ynfloed op ús tsjinstferliening wêze litten,' said Oebele Brouwer, mayor of Achtkarspelen. In the coming time it should become clear how the operating company will be dissolved. Both colleges have been asked to make a plan of action for this. The plan must be submitted to the councils no later than November.   

The majority of the 700 civil servants of both municipalities have been working together in the operating company 8KTD since 2015. Within the cooperation, there is room for each municipality's own policy and implementation. This way of working is complex, which causes high work pressure. There is also high absenteeism among employees. 

In recent months, the colleges and council members have discussed cooperation with each other and separately at various times. Council members have asked questions. The colleges and experts have provided information. About what cooperation between municipalities means and what it will cost, for example, to stop the operating company or to merge. Information from these talks and moments of information the council members could use to make a decision. The colleges asked the councils for clarity. June 22, the council members expressed their views on the future of the cooperation.  

The colleges are pleased that there is clarity and direction. This decision has a major impact on the organization. The consequences of this decision should become clear in the coming time. It is not yet known exactly what the process of unbundling will look like. Both colleges have been asked to come up with a plan for this. The plan must be submitted to the councils no later than November. 

Questions?

As a resident, you are always free to ask questions of the municipality on this topic. Email them to gemeente@t-diel.nl or call 14 0511.