Gargnano Faces Aging, Housing, and Tourism Challenges Amid Budget Debate
The population is increasingly aging: the average now exceeds the national one. Furthermore, it is steadily dwindling. There is a shortage of apartments, and young people are emigrating to neighboring towns.
The approval of the preliminary budget for the year 2000, on the agenda during Monday evening’s City Council meeting, provided an opportunity to discuss the major problems facing the town and, from the minority factions, to launch strong criticisms of the majority group’s planning, “Gargnano per la Lombardia,” led by Deputy Daniele Roscia.
Demographic and Building Issues
Starting with housing. “In Gargnano,” said Mariano Fuga, from the center-left opposition, “there is not a single apartment for our young people, who inevitably move to nearby towns. Yet, the City Plan was designed to make Gargnano capable of housing 7,920 residents (currently just over 3,000) by 2007. Since we are depopulating, it is clear that the focus is on second homes.”
In a town that is “aging,” the topics of healthcare and social services also gain importance. Criticisms were also voiced here, especially regarding the lack of agreement with trade unions over the anticipated tax relief measures.
Tourism Policy and Opposition
The issue of promoting tourism highlighted the opposing philosophies of the majority and minority groups. “Grave mistakes have been made,” said Fuga, “such as leaving the Garda Community, which has led to the town’s isolation, and the continuous attacks on the Alto Garda Mountain Community and the Park of Alto Garda, which are perceived as obstacles to development rather than engines of tourism.”
The center-right minority echoed these sentiments. According to councilor Gianfranco Scarpetta, “Gargnano suffers from the lack of a clear political program.”
Mayor’s Position and Financial Situation
For his part, Mayor Roscia, after describing the minority’s intervention as “vague, demagogic, and marked by electoral instrumentalism” (Gargnano will vote in 2001), claimed to have fully kept the promises made to the residents of Gargnano: “We assured that we would not raise taxes, and that has been the case. The Municipal Administration has limited resources, and we are truly struggling to balance the budget. Therefore, we either cut services or increase taxes on citizens. We have done what we promised, and we are at peace with ourselves.”
Finally, it should be noted that the Council confirmed last year’s ICI rates (4.8 per thousand for the primary residence and 5.6 per thousand for other properties).