Ape, which is only a few kilometers from the Estonian border, is one of the smallest towns in Latvia, statistical data shows that in 2021 it had 808 inhabitants, and together with the parish – about 1300. It obtained the right of a town in 1928, and this almost over the course of a hundred years, it has been in different counties: Valkas, Alūksnes, for a few periods it was the center of the district itself – it also gained independent status in the previous administrative territorial reform, adding Trapeni, Gaujiena and Vires.
In 2021, Apes county joined Smiltene. It is true that Alūksne was also ready to accept it, but the Apenians voted for Smilteni, hoping for a more lively work environment. As with any choice, it has its pros and cons. Especially in these financially difficult times for many municipalities.
Board cuts will not be affected
It is not easy for the Smiltene district at the moment, because already in the summer it became clear that the budget of the local government lacks 800,000 euros to fulfill its functions. Financial affairs were also the reason why the county leader changed this year – Edgars Avotiņš (NA) unexpectedly resigned from the post after not receiving the support of the deputies for the expropriation and sale of real estate. After fulfilling these duties for some time, in September, Astrida Harju (JV), the former chairman of the Apes County Council and former member of the Saeima, was elected as the chairman of the council. She now has her hands full, because the county administration is expected to be reorganized – for reasons of economy, it is planned to halve the number of parish administrations, and changes are also taking place
Read the whole article in newspapers Day in the issue of Friday, October 25! If you want to continue reading the newspaper in printed form, you can subscribe to it+