Administrative measures ban municipal kindergartens in Blagoevgrad from receiving donations after an inspection revealed irregularities, said Mayor Kostadin Paskalev. He specifically ordered the financial check as a result of parents’ complaints.

The analysis exposed lack of uniform practice in and illegitimate grounds for raising contributions. Instead of being signs of gratitude, donations were made compulsory by administrative decisions of several kindergarten principals.

Spending of the collected funds was also obscure. Kindergartens’ accounts showed that the money was used to cover basic necessities, such as hygiene supplies and Internet, for which the institutions already receive municipality funding.

According to the prohibition letters issued by the mayor, only parental committees can collect and spend donations, but only 3 of the 13 kindergartens in town have registered parental committees. The principals were also required to create uniform donation documents by October 26.

Kindergartens have attracted the attention of the municipality before. On October 10, Valentin Vasilev, deputy mayor, presented to the principals a list of five questions regarding financial sources and expenditures.

For the 2,500 children currently enrolled in kindergartens, the Investment Program of the municipality expects BGN 68,000 to be spent on resources, sanitation materials, and toys. However, while kindergartens have been collecting donations, less than 20% of the official funds have been assimilated.

By December, the principals have to submit their proposals for the 2009 budget in terms of adjusting the financial support, which the municipality provides for every child in kindergarten.