form of government:

Mayor - Municipal Council

legislative body:

Municipal Council (37 councilors)

election schedule:

4 years

population:

80,701

territory of municipal communities:

192.69 sq. miles

2 cities, 33 villages

budget:

structure of budget:

1999:

National Grants - 52%

Local Revenues - 48%

structure of budget expenditures:

Education - 40.4%

Social Care - 32.2%

Economic Development - 0.6%

Construction - 0.8%

Utilities - 10%

socio-economic information:

Median Monthly Per Capita Income - BGN 186

Unemployment Rate - 25%

Level of Education:

Higher - 6.5%

Secondary and College - 38.3%

Primary and Lower - 55.2%

five major employers or companies:

Knauf Gipsfazer - 250

Vipom AG - 280

Novoselska Gumza AG - 120

L.B. Bulgaricum - 90

Vida Style AG - 1,200

contact information:

Mr. Ivan Tsenov Nikolov

Mayor

Phone: +359.94.216.316

Fax: +359.94.601.132

Email: [email protected]

Mr. Ivan Perchinski

Deputy-Mayor, Humanitarian Activities

Phone: +359.94.216.300

Mr. Stefan Sirakov

Deputy-Mayor, Construction

Phone: +359.94.216.315

Ms. Katya Vulcheva

Municipal Secretary

Phone: +359.94.216.257

Mr. Lachezar Nikolov

Finance and Business Director

Phone: +359.94.216.357

Ms. Mariela Vulkova

Department Head, Regional Development and

Public Policy

Phone: +359.94.216.320

Email: [email protected]