LOCAL STRUCTURES IN ICELAND
Iceland is a unitary state composed of municipalities.
Local level: 79 municipalities (sveitarfélag)
Municipal authorities
The municipal council (sveitarstjórn) is elected by universal suffrage, usually for a four-year term. Councillors are responsible for the management of the municipality. The council may further pass resolutions in respect of any matter which in its opinion concerns the locality. Permanent committees, appointed by councillors, are created to assist the council. These committees work on specific issues and make recommendations to the council.
The executive committee (byggdarád) is composed of municipal council members elected by the council. This executive authority is in charge of the financial and administrative management of the municipality.
The president of the municipal council (oddviti), also named mayor (forseti) is elected for one year by the majority of the members of the council. The president chairs the meetings of the council.
Competences of the municipalities
. Social Services
. Primary education, culture, sports and recreation
. Public utilitis (sewers, water, electricity)
. Municipal planning and building inspection
. Public parks and open areas
. Monitoring public and environmental health
. Fire services
. Public transport
. Waste management and collection
. Harbours
Note: In Reykjavík, the municipal council is named borgarstjórn, and the executive committee borgarrád.
