City council seeks attorney-in-fact authority.
In Dresden, the city's fountains have been operating on a limited basis due to financial constraints. The municipal administration initially planned to deactivate most fountains by 2025, as the budget for their maintenance was not secure [2][4]. However, the decision faced strong opposition from both the public and local politicians.
Critics view the fountains as essential components of Dresden's urban landscape and quality of life. As a result, the administration is now planning to reactivate nearly all fountains, provided they do not need urgent repairs or renovations. The necessary funds will be sourced through savings in other areas and public donations [2][4].
Councilor Holger Zastrow has voiced his concern, calling for Dirk Hilbert, the mayor, to instruct the Environmental Mayor to restore the fountains' operation [1]. Zastrow's faction has amended an existing city council application, to be treated in May, seeking the reactivation of the fountains. He maintains that the Environmental Department has enough money to fund the fountains, which collectively cost 400,000 euros annually [1].
Zastrow also questions the need for funding for other projects, such as the 30-million-euro federal garden show and the renovation of the Robotron canteen, if the funds cannot be used to maintain the city's water games [1]. He emphasizes that the priority should be to reinstate the fountains, noting that the costs are manageable compared to the overall city budget [2][4].
In response to the public and political pressure, and the criticisms from the city council, Mayor Hilbert has committed to finding solutions to ensure the continued operation of the fountains [2][4]. Significant public support is evident, with a petition launched in favor of reactivating the fountains [1]. The administration is feeling the pressure, with placard actions planned at all city fountains [1].
[1] - Based on direct quotes and statements from the original text[2] - Relevant details from the Enrichment Data[4] - Additional information from the Enrichment Data
The issue of fountain operation in Dresden extends beyond financial constraints, as they are perceived as important elements of the city's lifestyle and urban landscape. Councilor Holger Zastrow has initiated a city council application to reactivate the fountains, arguing that the home-and-garden projects like the 30-million-euro federal garden show and the Robotron canteen renovation could potentially release funds for the fountains' maintenance. Furthermore, the politicized dispute over fountain operation has garnered significant public support, with a petition launched and scheduled placard actions planned at all city fountains.
