Grétar Ingi Erlendsson faces scrutiny over financial interests in Ölfus Municipality’s master plan discussions

The head of the Ölfus Municipality’s council has stated that all his financial interests are disclosed. This follows criticism from minority representatives who allege he violated ethical guidelines during discussions on amending the town’s master plan, from which he could financially benefit.

In July, Grétar Ingi Erlendsson, council chairman and representative of the D-list, left a meeting without disclosing his ownership in the real estate company Bakkamel ehf. Grétar explained that he recused himself due to his employer’s connections to the matter being discussed, which could allow the company to build 95 residential units instead of 25 in an area between Þorlákshöfn and Hveragerði.

The municipality’s ethical guidelines state that when an elected representative has personal interests in a matter before the council, they must disclose these interests before any discussion or voting occurs. A B-list representative claims Grétar breached these rules. “It was quite peculiar at that meeting that he acknowledged his disqualification related to his employer’s connections but failed to mention his direct involvement in the project,” remarked Gunnsteinn Ómarsson, a substitute council member.

Grétar maintains that his ownership is public knowledge and was disclosed over a year ago. “I made it known that I am linked to the project,” he affirmed, emphasizing that the information is available, although difficult to locate on the municipal website. In a statement, Mayor Elliði Vignisson indicated that Bakkamel had no dealings with Ölfus until June 19, 2024, long after Grétar had registered his interests. Whenever Bakkamel was discussed in meetings attended by Grétar, he had stepped out due to his connections to the company.