On election day

What mayors and municipalities decide

One of the many tasks of municipalities is the operation of kindergartens.(Bild: Gerhard Schiel)

Kindergartens, retirement homes or land: the tasks of the municipalities are diverse and far-reaching.

In this super election year, elections are being held at almost all levels in Salzburg. The municipal council and mayor will kick things off on Sunday, followed by the EU elections and National Council elections. Today it's all about the closest unit in the political system to the people. But what can the mayor and local council actually decide?

The "Krone" provides an overview: The municipalities are effectively responsible for basic services in the localities. This means that they take care of municipal roads, sewage systems, waste collection and water pipes. They are also responsible for education and social services. The municipalities run primary and secondary schools, take care of childcare and in many cases run homes for the elderly.

Many municipalities have their own retirement homes.(Bild: Berger Susi)

The mayor is the highest representative of the municipality. He or she not only chairs the municipal council - only 8 out of 119 municipalities in Salzburg have a female mayor - but is also the authority of first instance in many important procedures such as building law or road law.

Municipal council decides on the townscape
The municipal council is the local parliament. It determines the municipality's budget and can therefore also set priorities. This body also makes decisions on projects that go beyond the mandatory tasks. Such as playgrounds, swimming pools or sports facilities. The local parliament also decides on zoning plans and therefore has a lot of influence on the landscape of a place.