Circular - Residents’ Referendum on the Merger of the Municipalities of Skagabyggð and Húnabyggð

Circular - Residents’ Referendum on the Merger of the Municipalities of Skagabyggð and Húnabyggð

8 to 22 June 2024

The local councils of Skagabyggð and Húnabyggð have agreed to hold a referendum among their residents on a merger of the municipalities. The referendum will take place between 8 and 22 June 2024. The outcome is binding and the approval of a majority of residents in each municipality is required for the merger to take place.

Opinion of the Co-operation Committee

The local councils of both municipalities have discussed the Co-operation Committee's opinion on the merger, based on a report prepared by the Committee on the possible merger of the municipalities.

It is the opinion of the Co-operation Committee, after consultation and analysis of the situation, that it would be a positive step forward to merge the two municipalities into one. This will create a strong municipality, with increased capacity and a stronger operating base, opening up possibilities for improved services to residents.

Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the opinion and its premises on the websites of Húnabyggð and Skagabyggð.

Proposal of the Co-operation Committee

According to the Co-operation Committee's proposal for a merger, the local councils of Húnabyggð will take over management of the merged municipality if the merger of the municipalities is approved. The current local council of Skagabyggð will have a local role, carrying out specific tasks concerning the interests of the region and its residents for the duration of the current electoral term. The Mountain Pasture Committee (Icel. Fjallskilanefnd) of Skagabyggð will continue unchanged for the duration of the electoral term.

Co-operation will be sought with the municipality of Skagaströnd to enable children to attend pre-school and compulsory school there, if their parents so wish. Similarly, efforts will be made to reach agreements on the continued participation of elderly and disabled people who wish to do so in social activities and on co-operation with the fire brigade to ensure safety and an appropriate response capacity.

Open residents’ meetings

Open meetings will be held in June, where the opinion of the Co-operation Committee will be presented, together with the premises on which the proposal for the merger of the municipalities is based. There will be opportunities for questions from and discussions with residents.

In Skagabyggð:
A residents’ meeting will be held in Skagabúð on Monday, 3 June, at 20:00.

In Húnabyggð:
A residents' meeting will be held in the community centre in Blönduós on Tuesday, 4 June, at 20:00.