This year, the Guía de Isora City Council will oversee a budget of 26.28 million euros, which signifies a 7.1% rise compared to last year’s figures, equating to an increase of roughly 1.7 million euros.
The local administration (CC-PP) noted, “this rise demonstrates a steadfast commitment to enhancing essential services, advancing infrastructure, and advocating for a sustainable development model that benefits both residents and tourists.”
An important highlight of these financial estimates is the 20.3% escalation in current expenditure on goods and services, which the council attributes to the demands for maintenance and enhancement of municipal infrastructure, alongside rising costs associated with waste management. “The upkeep of infrastructure, including roads, public buildings, parks, and green areas, necessitates a continual allocation of resources to ensure their proper functioning and prevent the decline of services used by citizens daily,” they stated.
In terms of investments, plans are in place to allocate 350,000 euros for projects in educational institutions; 2.8 million for the construction of the car park and El Pilón square in the town centre; and 1.3 million euros dedicated to the second phase of the resurfacing plan, which focuses on repairing and upgrading roads in coastal, rural, and agricultural regions.
On the sports front, there are intentions to reopen the municipal swimming pool, which has been closed for years due to its poor condition, though there is no specified financial provision in this year’s budget, alongside efforts to maintain investments in local facilities.
In the domain of social services, the Guía de Isora City Council has stated that it will increase expenditures on goods and services, which will include enhanced emergency aid, assistance for the elderly, and employment placement programs.
With regard to employment, there is a reduction in budget allocations, which the council attributes to the inability to secure subsidies from other public entities, as unemployment statistics have improved, and the municipality no longer meets the criteria for such assistance.
The budget was approved in full on December 26, and the Official Gazette of the Province published the initial approval of the budget and the council’s organic staff for 2025 five days later. This document will be displayed in municipal offices for 15 business days to allow for the submission of claims, a precursor to its enactment.
PSOE: “Unbalanced accounts that do not meet needs”
The PSOE representative in the council, Josefa Mesa, expressed her discontent with the budgets, asserting that “they are unbalanced, reduce investment, and do not address the municipality’s needs.” She added that many of the projects proposed were initiated in the previous administration, including the second phase of the cemetery, the two phases of paving, and the construction of the El Pilón car park.
She asserted that investment “is significantly declining, particularly in employment, prompting us to submit an amendment to halt further reductions, given that one million euros were also removed last year.” She further remarked that “the allocation for festivities is increasing; we are not opposed to this. However, it appears unreasonable that it is funded at the expense of other crucial investments, such as employment.” Josefa Mesa emphasised that “investments need to be more balanced and equitably distributed.”