previously, teh municipality dismissed the head of the Birth Registry Department, Antra Jesineviča, and her deputy, Alita Vicinska, from their positions for illegal actions. The employee challenged the municipal order in court.
The court recognized the municipality’s dismissal as illegal, determining that the municipality will have to repay 13,516 euros to Jesineviča, including expenses related to the conduct of the case, and 11,634 euros to Vicinska.
LETA has already announced that last November, the municipality of Talsu County, finding possible inconsistencies in the work of the Civil Registry department, suspended the head of the Civil Registry Department and another official from their positions until the circumstances are clarified.
During the inspection, the commission established by the municipality of Talsi region found that the employees of the Birth Registry Department did not comply with the regulations of the Talsi County Council “On the Services of the Birth Registry Department of Talsi Region”, thus causing material losses to the municipality in the period from July 1, 2022 to August 1, 2023.
The department’s work also did not comply with the Cabinet of Ministers’ “Regulations on registers of civil status acts” and the internal regulations of Talsi County Municipality “Document circulation procedure in Talsi County Municipality, its institutions and structural units”.
The commission found violations by the head and deputy of the Civil Registry Department over a long period of time, which are classified as illegal actions.
What are the common challenges municipalities face in civil registry compliance?
Interview: Navigating Challenges in Civil Registry Compliance
Time.news Editor (TNE): Today, we’re diving into a recent case involving the municipality of Talsu County and the fallout from the dismissal of key officials at the Birth Registry Department. Joining us is Dr. Elina Straupe, a legal expert in administrative law and public governance. Thank you for being here, dr. Straupe.
Dr. Elina Straupe (ES): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
TNE: To start, can you summarize the situation with the Talsu County municipality regarding the Birth Registry Department?
ES: Certainly. The municipality dismissed Antra jesineviča, the head of the Birth Registry Department, and her deputy, Alita vicinska, citing illegal actions within the department. Though, they challenged their dismissals in court, and the court ruled in their favor, determining the municipality’s actions were illegal. Consequently, the municipality is required to repay critically important funds—13,516 euros to jesineviča and 11,634 euros to Vicinska.
TNE: That’s quite a financial implication for the municipality. what violations were found by the inspection commission, and how significant are they?
ES: The commission discovered that the department failed to comply with several key regulations, including the regulations set forth by the Talsi County Council and the Cabinet of Ministers regarding civil status acts. These non-compliance issues led to material losses for the municipality from july 2022 to August 2023. This case underscores the importance of adhering strictly to administrative regulations to avoid both financial and legal repercussions.
TNE: Given these violations, what practical advice would you offer to municipalities to ensure compliance and avoid similar situations?
ES: Municipalities shoudl prioritize regular audits and compliance checks within their departments. Establishing a culture of accountability and transparency is crucial. Training sessions for staff on the relevant regulations can also be beneficial, ensuring everyone is well-informed. Additionally, incorporating a whistleblower system could help identify potential issues before they escalate into significant legal challenges.
TNE: What could this case imply for the broader field of civil registry management?
ES: This case serves as a warning. Civil registry departments must operate with the utmost integrity and compliance. The public increasingly expects accountability from government institutions, and breaches like this can undermine trust and result in costly legal battles. It’s a reminder for all public officials to maintain ethical standards and ensure their operations align with legal obligations.
TNE: Do you think this ruling indicates a shift in how municipalities view their regulatory responsibilities?
ES: Absolutely. The ruling strengthens the notion that municipalities cannot act arbitrarily without justification, and that they are accountable for their decisions. As similar cases gain attention, we may see stricter governance and oversight mechanisms being implemented across various local governments to safeguard against misconduct.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Straupe, for your insights into this complex issue within the civil registry sector. Your expertise highlights the need for compliance and ethical governance.
ES: Thank you for having me.It’s crucial that we continue to advocate for transparency and integrity in public service.
TNE: For more insights on legal compliance in public governance and civil registry issues, stay tuned to Time.news.