An Auxiliary Unit as a Link in Municipal Self-Government

The municipal system reform of 1990 restored the status of municipalities as units with local self-government, without altering their bounds and internal division. A subdivision of a municipality into sołectwo, dzielnica and osiedle was upheld; they became auxiliary units. The existing local governing bodies also remained in force. However, their competences were modified, and in the case of dzielnica and osiedle, rules for the election of authorities were changed. The state authorities placed a lot of responsibility for regulating the auxiliary units on municipal authorities. These pertain to tasks of these subdivisions, competences of particular governing bodies, a manner of passing resolutions and their enforcement, and the scope and procedures of funding. Thus, local politicians and officials are in charge of legal, financial and organizational decisions concerning sołectwo and dzielnica. These units arguably serve best to fulfil the non-material needs, security, personal contacts and community bonds. They also take on some duties regarding social order, public order, maintanance of local infrastructure and environmental care