Budget approval: a critical view
The Alt Urgell County Council has given its green light to its budget for this year, which amounts to 10.2 million euros. All political groups have voted in favor, but the President, Josefina Lladós (Junts), has expressed displeasure by the new Government of the Generalitat, which has reduced the available resources for projects that could really have a positive impact on the community.
Personal expenses: a significant increase
Despite reproaches on lack of resources, the budget continues to show a significant increase in parties for salaries and staff, which are already 35% of the total. This represents about 3.6 million euros, and includes new hires such as a second architect and an environmental technician, as well as professionals for the Equality Area.
The growth of the workforce: a debatable strategy
This tendency to increase the number of public workers has generated a debate on the effectiveness and need for these new additions. Many see the County Council as an ‘agency’ that promotes the growth of public administration, a phenomenon that can perpetuate practices of clientelism and favorite.
Budget priorities: Where do funds go?
51% of the budget goes to the educational area, with a significant increase of 48% in school canteen scholarships, followed by social services, which receive 20%. Despite these positive figures, Lladós has lamented the inadequacy of resources for social services, which directly affect the daily lives of citizens.
A balance between employees and services
With the prioritization of the increase in the workforce, the question arises about whether other community essential services are being neglected. The president seems to focus more on the expansion of the administration than in the immediate well-being of the citizens.
County Councils: a model in debate
The role of county councils has always been a controversial issue. In the municipal elections, the struggle to obtain the maximum number of councilors is crucial to influence the compositions of the councils and councils, where the most significant budget items are decided.
The duality of power and resources
While councils manage large amounts of money, the county councils operate with much more modest budgets and limited competencies. This causes a paradox in which local representativeness is important, but often does not reflect the real needs of citizens.
A future for county councils?
With the debate on the usefulness and efficiency of the county councils, the possibility of their restructuring or even progressive disappearance is proposed. The councils could assume many of their duties through associations, thus guaranteeing more efficient management of resources and better attention to local needs.
Rethinking the administrative model
As governance models continue to be discussed, it is essential to consider whether the county councils, with their current structure, are really the best solution for the needs of citizens. The debate on friendliness and partisanship in its management is more relevant than ever.