LIBRAZHD, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010  The Mayor of Librazhd, Mr. Kastriot Begaj, and USAID Officer, Mr. Stephen Herbaly, launched today a new computerized tax system for the Municipality of Librazhd.  The system, which was developed through USAID’s Local Governance Program in Albania (LGPA), allows for more efficient and effective administration of tax collections and services that will lead to greater tax revenue for the city and improved services for citizens.  This is the 10th opening USAID has supported over the past year in its partner cities.

“The computerized tax system that USAID has launched in nine cities over the last year is an important first step to bringing Albanian local governments into the digital age,” said USAID General Development Officer, Stephen Herbaly.  “These systems help municipal managers have real-time access to a wide range of data needed for planning, management, and evaluation of municipal functions. USAID is pleased to support this effort and will continue to provide Albanian cities the tools to exercise independence and excellence for their citizens.”

Since opening these offices, officials are seeing a savings in employee’s time and better performance.  “Fifty percent of my staff time has been saved because of the new software,” said the head of Lezhe’s tax department, Mr. Bibe Gjoni, “ and this has allowed my staff to have more time on the ground monitoring business turnover and collections.”  In the coming years, cities with the new software will be able to develop revenue projections and be able to plan additional municipal services based on higher tax revenues.

In Librazhd, the new tax system is located in the same building as the city’s National Registration (NRC), providing a one-stop shop for local businesses.  In one place businesses can now register at the National Registration Center, and register and receive information from the Municipal Tax Department.  

USAID’s Local Governance Program in Albania (LGPA) works with ten municipalities throughout Albania to foster local economic growth, improve local governance, and strengthen civic and private sector engagement in local development.  LGPA’s partner municipalities are: Elbasan, Fier, Fushe-Kruje, Gramsh, Korçe, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd, Pogradec and Shkoder.