Pozzallo, Italia Viva says no to the outsourcing of tax collection.

Pozzallo, the City Council opens up to the outsourcing of tax collection. Italia Viva protests

The City Council of Pozzallo approved, in yesterday's session, the amendment to the regulation for tax collection.

A technical step that, in fact, allows for the assignment of the service to private companies and has provoked a strong political reaction from Italia Viva.

The resolution, presented by the City Council led by Mayor Roberto Ammatuna and composed of councilors Monte, Azzarelli, Giannone, and Cannizzaro, received partial approval from the majority councilors Zocco, Sparacino, Franco Giannone, Ballatore, Sudano, and Francesco Ammatuna.

Absent at the time of the vote was the councilor from Italia Viva, Uccio Agosta, who had abstained in the previous session.

An absence that the party defines as a “political signal of clear distance” regarding an administrative path not shared.

According to Italia Viva Pozzallo, outsourcing tax collection to external parties poses a concrete risk for taxpayers.

“Outsourcing exposes citizens to extremely aggressive procedures”, reads a statement. “A private company, driven by the logic of profit and commission, has the power to proceed with the direct seizure of the bank accounts of debtors”.

The party reiterates its historical opposition to this management model, pointing out four main criticisms:

- Weakening of the municipal structure: loss of direct control over an essential function of the entity.

- Increase in costs: greater burdens that would fall on families.

- Lack of planning: a choice deemed “improvised” and lacking a long-term vision.

- Protection of the community: fear that the logic of profit will prevail over respect for the taxpayer.

The alternative proposal

In contrast to resorting to private companies, Agosta's party suggests a fully internal management, based on “responsibility, competence, and qualified municipal staff”.

“We will continue to oppose choices that put their hands in the pockets of citizens”, concludes the statement from Italia Viva. “Pozzallo cannot be treated this way”.