Bodrum Municipality, facing mounting debt pressure of 3.3 billion TL, has decided to sell its assets to cover unpaid debts, including outstanding social security and tax obligations. The municipality, which has been under the threat of asset seizures, convened an extraordinary council meeting to discuss granting authorization for the sale, exchange, offsetting, and transfer of municipally owned properties if necessary.
Municipal Properties in 13 Neighborhoods Up for Sale
According to reports, the extraordinary council meeting discussed the potential sale, exchange, and transfer of municipal properties located in 13 neighborhoods: Dereköy, Gürece, Karakaya, Konacık, Kumbahçe, Mazı, Mumcular, Müsgebi, Peksimet, Turgutreis, Yahşi, Yaka, and Yeniköy.
Properties Listed for Sale
Among the 53 plots planned for sale, notable ones include:
- Gökçebel Mahallesi: 757 block 1 parcel, 577 block parcels 145, 146, 147, 150, 151, 152, 153, and 154
- Gündoğan Mahallesi: 218 block 1 parcel, 586 block 8 parcel
- Yeniköy Mahallesi: 1223 block 2 parcel
These properties are set to be sold under the provisions of the 2886 Public Procurement Law.
Bodrum Municipality’s Growing Debt Crisis
Bodrum Mayor Tamer Mandalinci briefed council members on the municipality’s financial situation, stating:
“The purpose of this extraordinary council meeting is to address Bodrum Municipality’s financial distress by managing debt through both sales and offsets with state institutions. We are requesting authorization for both sales and exchanges regarding the listed parcels. If granted, we will proceed with the most appropriate options.”
Mayor Mandalinci also highlighted the increase in the municipality’s debt since taking office:
- Debt upon assuming office: 2.3 billion TL
- Current debt (after 9 months in office): 3.3 billion TL
- Debt to Social Security Institution (SGK): 1.3 billion TL, including accumulated interest due to an inability to restructure payments
- Debt to the Tax Office: 190 million TL (structured) + 567 million TL (unstructured, accruing 4.5% monthly interest)
- Market debts: 900 million TL
- Bank loans: 154 million TL
- Subsidiary companies’ debts: 176 million TL
Bodrum Council Approves Asset Sales Despite Opposition
The Bodrum Municipal Council approved the sale of 53 parcels by majority vote, despite opposition from members of the Cumhur Alliance, who argued that selling municipal properties equates to “selling Bodrum’s future.”
Mayor Mandalinci called on the government to show greater sensitivity regarding land sales in the region.
1,800 Properties Seized Over Unpaid Debts
Bodrum Municipality, which owes nearly 2 billion TL to SGK and the Muğla Tax Office, has already had 1,800 properties seized due to unpaid debts.
To seek relief, Mayor Mandalinci met with Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan and Minister of Treasury and Finance Mehmet Şimşek, requesting an installment plan for Bodrum Municipality’s tax debts.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök