Anklam Update: City Hall Faces Scrutiny Over Contracts, New Shopping Center Completed

City Hall Procurement Under Review

The audit report from the district's legal supervision body has put Anklam's city hall administration under pressure. Findings indicated that every single one of the 37 randomly selected procurement processes reviewed had flaws. These included failures in tendering, documentation, and awarding contracts, with some required documents missing entirely. The district authority noted that these issues could jeopardize key objectives of public procurement law, namely the economical use of budget funds and ensuring fair competition.

In response, Deputy Mayor and Treasurer Beatrix Wittmann-Stifft confirmed the establishment of a working group to create a unified, practical, and legally sound directive for all employees handling procurement. While stressing that there was no indication of deliberate enrichment, she acknowledged that existing guidelines were outdated and needed revision. The focus seems to have been on smaller contracts not processed through the central e-procurement system.

The city council's own audit committee, also criticized for lax oversight in recent years, has pledged to intensify its scrutiny of procurement processes moving forward. A point of contention remains whether to expand the central procurement office, as suggested by the district, or focus on better staff training, which Mayor Michael Galander currently favors, citing his organizational authority.

New Shopping Center Boosts Local Economy

On a more positive note, Anklam celebrated the opening of a new Rossmann drugstore on Saturday, March 22nd. Located next to the Rewe supermarket on Leipziger Allee, this completes the development of a modern shopping center on the site of the former Waagenbau scale factory. The project, led by investor Bruno Otto Müller, involved extensive demolition, site cleanup, and construction over several years.

The new Rossmann offers a larger retail space (700 sqm vs. 550 sqm previously) and an expanded product range. It employs 13 staff members, including two new hires, and features extended opening hours (Mon-Sat, 8 am - 8 pm). The opening week includes promotional discounts.

Nearby, the Rewe supermarket, managed by Melanie Patzer, is also set for changes. From early May, Patzer will operate the store as an independent merchant ('Rewe Melanie Patzer oHG'). This move means local business taxes will be paid directly in Anklam. Patzer plans to adjust the product mix, particularly reducing drugstore items now that Rossmann is next door, and is considering extending opening hours, possibly starting earlier in the morning.

What were the main problems found in Anklam's procurement audit?

The audit revealed widespread issues, including violations of municipal law, poor documentation, and procedural errors in tendering and awarding contracts across all 37 cases examined.

How is the city responding to the audit findings?

An internal working group is developing new, legally compliant procurement guidelines, expected by mid-year. The city council's audit committee also plans stricter oversight.

What new stores are in the shopping center on Leipziger Allee?

The center now features a Rewe supermarket (opened June 2024) and a newly opened Rossmann drugstore (opened March 2025).

Will the Rewe store change under new management?

Yes, it will become independently owned by Melanie Patzer, pay local business taxes, potentially adjust its product range (fewer drugstore items), and may adopt earlier opening hours.

These developments bring both scrutiny and new opportunities to Anklam. Do you think the measures taken by the city hall will be sufficient to address the procurement issues? What impact will the new shopping center have on the town center? Let us know!

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