Approval of the upcoming tourist tax regulation is on the agenda of the Sinnai City Council, scheduled for Wednesday at 4:30 PM. The certified number of beds in the area is expected to be 1,900.
"The regulation has already been discussed in the Commission," says Tourism Councilor Cristiano Spina , "now it goes to the Council. The introduction of this tax is absolutely necessary to create the structures needed to boost our tourism industry."
Everyone agrees on the need for the measure. The minority, however, is demanding clarification, especially regarding the rates, and is presenting a barrage of amendments: 51 in all, something perhaps never before seen in the Municipality of Sinnai. "The time is not ripe. We can't raise money," says the opposition, "without first ensuring a minimum level of basic services. The village of Mimose even lacks drinking water."
Roberto Loi and Paride Casula of "Uniti per Sinnai" presented twenty amendments. "We wanted to know the revenue forecasts for the new tax. The committee received no response. They were completely closed to any request for clarification. Now the majority will have to read our proposals for improvements to a tax they intend to impose on an area lacking many services. We hope the Council will accept the discussion of our requests and concerns. Yes, to the tourist tax, but only when the conditions are right."
Walter Zucca, secretary of Forza Italia, has tabled 15 amendments: "We're talking about a tax that could reach up to 10 euros per person per day. Solanas still lacks everything, yet they're thinking of making money off a few tourists, assuming annual revenues are in the high fives. This is a hastily drafted regulation: tourists are the first to be protected by providing them with everything they need to ensure the best possible vacation, especially ensuring services." Forza Italia councilor Roberta Simoni has tabled two amendments: "We're asking for an exemption for seasonal municipal and private workers. The regulation needs to be revised."
Fourteen amendments were submitted by Aldo Lobina, councilor for "Sinnai Libera": "In principle, we are not opposed to a tax that everyone now applies. But first, we need to guarantee at least the most essential services. Regarding rates, while it is true that the City Council sets them, it is equally true that the general criteria should be recommended by the City Council."
The majority responds to the criticism: "I have always respected the opposition," says Councilor Spina. "The proposed regulation is very simple: 16 articles in eight pages. Fifty-one amendments seems far too many to me. This is obstructionism, at all costs. High rates? I assure you, we will not exceed the rates of neighboring municipalities. The implementation of this tax is essential for the development of our tourism economy. It is essential for creating all the services that are lacking and for revitalizing our tourism industry. I hope to find cooperation in the Council, even from the opposition."
Councilor for Budget and Taxes Katiuscia Concas says that "the amount of the tax will be established by the City Council. It will not exceed two euros, also in line with the amounts established by neighboring municipalities, including Quartu and Castiadas. We're talking about a municipal tax, but with revenue tied to funding, among other things, specific local initiatives related to tourism and the management of cultural and environmental assets. This tax will allow us to financially support important initiatives to enhance and promote our territory."