By Holger Gutte
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“Although I don’t belong to a majority faction, I can still certify to my local councilors that we work closely and cooperatively,” says Oppach’s mayor Stefan Hornig. Just one year after the start of the legislative period that is now coming to an end, Oppach’s local councilors made one of the most lasting decisions. They agreed to a special purpose agreement with Neusalza-Spremberg about the school structure that now exists. They gave up their middle school in favor of the neighboring town and secured Oppach as a primary school location.
The school was then rebuilt for 713,500 euros. Oppach received a generous amount of 337,000 euros in funding. In the five years of their council membership, the local councilors dealt with numerous construction projects. Around four million euros were invested in Oppach during this time. The municipality received around 60 percent of this as a grant. The “Pfiffikus” daycare center was renovated and freed of asbestos for almost 520,000 euros alone. The municipal apartments at Hans-Eisler-Straße 8 to 16 received new windows. The town hall and the running track on the sports field were renovated, among other things. A large part of the investments also went into road construction. The year 2002 was particularly important for the residents in the “Eichen” district. In the second attempt, Oppach managed to get the district included in the Saxon village development program.
The working conditions for the members of the volunteer fire department have improved significantly in Oppach. A new fire engine was purchased for around 111,000 euros. The armed forces are now also heading out for their missions with new protective clothing. The groundbreaking ceremony for a new depot will take place in a few days, Mayor Stefan Hornig announced at the most recent municipal council meeting. The purchase of a team vehicle is also planned to replace the old Robur.
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In times of tight budgets, Oppach is in a relatively good financial position compared to other municipalities. The debt level is 400 euros per resident – and the trend is falling. The municipality’s reserve amounts to 740,000 euros. “We haven’t taken out loans for years,” says the mayor. However, in order for the community to continue to move forward in the future, even more private capital and commitment are required. The mayor relies on the local clubs and companies. He also sees the fact that the Oppach business community was formed as an association a few weeks ago as an important sign for the community. And: thanks to the initiative of the Oppachers, the village festivals here are largely organized and supported by the clubs.
Stefan Hornig is happy that, with 20 candidates, more residents are applying to work on the local council than there are places available. Like the previous council, they too will have to deal with some important projects and topics. The village development program in the Eichen district with road construction and the design of the forecourt and the village pond is pending. The preservation and renovation of the castle is also an important project. Furthermore, the local councils also have to deal with improving the administrative community with Beiersdorf and helping to consolidate the local budget. Beiersdorf has a deficit of 675,000 euros and 1,065 euros in debt per resident. The renewed examination of the voluntary merger of Beiersdorf, Dürrhennersdorf, Friedersdorf, Oppach, Neusalza-Spremberg and Schönbach will probably be approached even more sensitively. In May 2003, this project was rejected by the local council. However, Stefan Hornig assumes that this topic will remain relevant in the coming years.
SZ
