This year, San Miguel de Abona will oversee its largest budget to date, amounting to 28,176,384 euros, reflecting an increase of 9.97% compared to the previous year. These financial plans underscore the enhancement of public services, social welfare, job creation, and the promotion of social engagement, alongside a commitment to uphold local traditions and support third sector organisations, which are vital for economic growth.
The mayor of San Miguel de Abona, Arturo González, elaborates, “These budgets are balanced, transparent, and responsible, ensuring that each euro invested is done so effectively while maintaining the integrity of municipal funds.”
Antonio Manuel Rodríguez, the council member for Treasury, highlights the “carefulness and precision” in their preparation and states that they “set new targets to ensure the municipality progresses continually.”
The municipal budget outlines an investment of 12.6 million euros aimed at bolstering public services, preserving infrastructure, and enhancing both municipal and public safety. Specifically, 45 euros out of every 1,000 will be earmarked for these initiatives.
Social Services
A total of 12.47%, approximately 3.5 million euros, will be allocated towards policies and programs aimed at reducing social inequality and providing support to the most vulnerable members of the community. This includes 360,000 euros for emergency social assistance and 335,000 euros dedicated to educational initiatives. The extraordinary social employment schemes will have a budget of 900,000 euros, which will facilitate the hiring of over 100 individuals.
In the domains of education, culture, festivities, and sports, San Miguel’s City Council will persist in its collaboration with local organisations and the development of new projects, ensuring a wide-ranging offer for all age groups. The strengthening of community involvement will be supported through the continuation of the Participates San Miguel de Abona programme, alongside tourism and commercial initiatives, seen as key strategies for socioeconomic growth.
Investments
An investment reserve of 1,731,000 euros has been set aside, a figure expected to increase with funding from other authorities. Examples of these projects include emergency water works, the construction of a drinking water tank, water lifting efforts, improvements in wake rooms, the establishment of a senior citizens’ day centre, enhancement of parking facilities, upgrades to the collectors system, waste management initiatives, and the completion of a project involving 28 industrial units. Additionally, there will be installations of tents in educational facilities.
The Municipal Mobile Park will see significant expansion through a Renting system, with upgraded vehicles designated for Social Services, Local Police, Culture, General Services, and Cleaning.
The initial budget approval includes two environmentally strategic actions: the introduction of selective waste collection to bolster its service and a project aimed at restoring Sebadal along the coast.