Amalgamation discussions in Sangaste

On citizens‘ initiative amalgamation discussions took place between representatives of the municipality councils of Sangaste, Puka, Palupera and Õru. The idea of forming a rural municipality in the region was discussed as well as the potential changes on the local level caused by the administrative reform. The meeting was moderated by Geomedia consultant Rivo Noorkõiv. During the discussion, group work was performed, focusing on mapping the potential changes related to the amalgamation process. It was decided to form a group of representatives from the four municipalities in order to weigh the opportunities for the formation of a common municipality not driven by the growth-center model and to work out the fundamental principles of the amalgamation contract. Part of the participants joined the meeting due to the common observation that one objective of the administrative reform is to stop the decline of countryside life.