The City of Dubrovnik plans to repurpose the summer residence into housing for individuals with autism, but questions arise whether the mayor exceeded his authority by submitting an offer before the City Council gave its blessing.
Mayor of Dubrovnik Mato Franković announced on his Facebook profile that the City has submitted an official offer to purchase the Bonda-Majstorović summer residence in Gruž. According to unofficial information, the initial asking price was five million euros, which is confirmed by the agency IMB Nekretnine handling the sale.
This news has raised questions about whether the mayor exceeded his authority. According to the Act on Local and Regional Self-Government, he can independently decide on the acquisition and disposal of properties up to a value of one million kuna, or just over 130 thousand euros. Given the multi-million euro value of the summer residence, many have wondered whether the City Council should merely "nod along" when the budget revision is discussed in September.
The city administration clarifies that the offer was submitted based on the mayor's decision as the executive head, and that the final decision is yet to be made. "In the non-binding offer, it is clearly stated that if the seller accepts the expressed interest of the City of Dubrovnik, the City will secure the funds for the purchase through a budget revision that the mayor will propose to the City Council in September, after which the approval of the City Council is required for the conclusion of the purchase agreement," states the official response from the City to Dubrovniknet.
Representative of IMB Nekretnine, Nada Burum, confirmed that the city appraiser has already conducted a valuation of the property. "The initial asking price was five million euros, but that was too high and we advised the owners to adjust the price. There are several interested buyers at a lower price, but we consider it extremely valuable that this historic summer residence remains in the ownership of the City, especially given the intended purpose," Burum stated for Dubrovniknet. She added that everything is developing in a positive direction and that they are pleased about it.
By repurposing the property, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the future Center for Providing Services in the Community Dubrovnik (in the former Hotel Stadion), between 15 and 20 housing units for permanent residence of individuals with autism could be secured. In addition to residential capacities, the spacious garden could be used for occupational therapy, and the City is also considering building a therapy pool.
The city administration emphasizes that this project would combine the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of social infrastructure, and that the City, although under no legal obligation, continues to invest in services for the most vulnerable groups.
While the idea of the purchase has received positive reactions, the question remains whether a step in the decision-making process was skipped. The City of Dubrovnik will secure the funds through a budget revision that the Council will discuss in September 2026, and only then will it be known whether the Bonda-Majstorović summer residence will indeed become a home for individuals with disabilities.
