Collaboration between the municipalities of Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel

Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel remain independent

The municipal councils of Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel spoke on Thursday, June 22 about the future of the cooperation between the two municipalities. A major decision has been taken for our organization. A majority in the municipal councils in Achtkarspelen and Tytsjerksteradiel want to remain independent and stop the cooperation in the working company. 

Because the public services organisation has been under pressure for some time, the municipal executives asked the councils for clarity about the future of the collaboration. 'Today we have received the direction we asked for for our joint organisation, the public services organisation,' says Tytsy Willemsma, alderman of Tytsjerksteradiel. 'This decision provides clarity, but also has a major impact on the organisation and our employees.'
 
In the coming period, it must become clear what consequences this decision has for both municipalities. 'We will do everything we can to ensure that this does not affect our services,' says Oebele Brouwer, mayor of Achtkarspelen. In the coming period, it must become clear how the public services organisation will be dissolved. The two municipal executives have been asked to draw up a plan of action for this. The plan must be presented to the councils no later than November.   

The majority of the 700 civil servants from both municipalities have been working together in the 8KTD working company since 2015. Within the collaboration, there is room for individual policy and implementation per municipality. This method is complex, which causes high work pressure. There is also a high rate of absenteeism among employees. 

In recent months, the executive boards and council members have discussed the collaboration with each other and separately at various times. Council members have asked questions. The executive boards and experts have provided information about what collaboration between municipalities means and what it would cost, for example, to terminate the public services company or to merge. Council members were able to use information from these discussions and information sessions to make a decision. The executive boards asked the municipal councils for clarity. On June 22, the council members expressed their views on the future of the collaboration.  

The municipal executives are pleased that there is clarity and direction. This decision has a major impact on the organization. In the coming period, it must become clear what the consequences of this decision will be. It is not yet known exactly what the separation process will look like. Both municipal executives 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 welcome to ask the municipality questions about this subject. Mail them to gemeente@t-diel.nl or call 14 0511.