A controversial approval
The Government of Change, in a vote that has generated debate, has achieved the approval of the municipal budget of Sant Antoni de Vilamajor. This was made possible by the support of the ERC councilors and the PSC councilor, while the formations together and Pusa, who have three councilors each, showed their opposition during the plenary session held on Thursday.
Details of the new budget
With a total of 8.2 million euros, the new budget represents an increase of one million compared to the previous year. Mayor Raül Valentín emphasized that this increase is mainly due to the improvement of revenue from other bodies. One of the highlights is the significant increase in the investment chapter, which goes from 307,414 euros to 752,000 euros for 2025.
Planned investments
Among the planned investments, asphalt work in Alfou have already been performed, while other projects, such as the performances in the Vallserena stream, are very advanced. The budget also contemplates actions in the Javrezac Square and the maintenance of forest strips, with various investments that, according to Valentín, are about to be tendered.
Expenses and wages increasing
In the expenses chapter, an increase of more than 200,000 euros has been observed in staff salaries, which now exceed 3 million euros. The budget includes a forecast of increase of 2.5% in wages, waiting for the approval of the state budget.
Opposition criticism and suggestions
Bernat Parera, from Junts, expressed concern about the lack of support for his group’s investment proposals, with only one of the six included in the budget. He said that some of the outstanding proposals could be included in the first credit modification. In addition, he criticized the absence of a heading for the participatory budgets, which this year will not be able to be carried out due to the lack of time.
Concerns about financial sustainability
Ferran Calvera, of PUSA, stated his concern about the growing dependence of the City Council on the revenue of other administrations, which this year amounts to about 2.3 million euros. In addition, he emphasized the increase in the departure of staff, which has increased from 1.5 million euros in 2016 to 3.2 million this year, a fact that generates concern about the capacity of sustainability of municipal finances.
Political support for approval
ERC spokesman Enric Vinaixa described the budget as ‘optimistic’, emphasizing that he reflects his party’s proposals and anticipating an increase in economic activity related to the collection of the construction and works tax. On the other hand, Belinda García of the PSC, defended his favorable vote as a ‘political responsibility’, saying that it was crucial to avoid the extension of the 2024 budget.
Looking to the future
With the approved budget, the local government is now facing the challenge of ensuring that investments are effectively carried out and that the concerns expressed by the opposition are addressed. The next stage will include the vote on the pending projects of the previous year, an essential step for citizen participation and the development of the community.