In Mèze, a “historic” budget for the 2024 financial year

Les investissements de la ville de Mèze devraient atteindre 10 M€ en 2024. Midi Libre – PHILIPPE MALRIC

The main budget of the town of Mèze was discussed during the municipal council on Monday March 4.

"For the first time in the history of Mèze, we will have an envelope of 10 million euros of funds ;investment. This budget will allow us to enter a new dimension . Marcel Graine, the finance assistant for the town of Mèze, was not a little proud when he presented the 2024 budget on Monday, March 4, to the # 39;entire municipal council.

270 operations planned in 2024

A budget marked by the maintenance of tax rates – that which concerns the increase in the housing tax on second homes which could bring in 300,000 € does not fall into this category -, "control of operating expenses as well as optimization of revenue" a summary of the chosen one. "Over 2024, 270 investment operations are scheduled". They will be financed by subsidies (many 2023 files were supported up to 70%), transfers (Yprès barracks and former collection), the municipal budget as well as a loan of # 39;approximately 1 M€.

Creation of an underwater trail

These investments have been detailed into four main themes. The first concerns environmental protection and the ecological transition with the desire to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and increase energy renovations. It is thus planned to dewaterproof the courtyard of the Heliante school as well as the installation of its geothermal heating, the continuation of the change of the lighting park, the creation of cycle paths towards the Sesquier and the creation an underwater trail to admire the biodiversity of the pond.

Beautify the city and its heritage

The second strong axis concerns the living environment to "beautify the city and its heritage". We are talking about a new phase of restoration of the ramparts, the modification of the town hall square and the Micocoulier square, the facade operation, the renovation (already carried out) of the statue created by Hernan Torres at the small fishing port. The town hall also wants to improve the roads, buy the land (behind the Post Office) for the future car park as well as five illuminated pedestrian crossings.

Where we talk about the Agglo again

As one might expect, Gilles Phocas questioned the mayor about the passing of arms during the last city council. "It was even said that there was no community spirit", noted the' elected opposition official. And to note that "the agglomeration did not really have the community spirit with Mèze by halving its direct aid to the municipalities. It doesn't have it either by increasing its share of the property tax. It has increased by 1,880% since the " merger. The last example on travelers proves, for him, "that the agglomeration is a feudal system".< br /> "I'm not going to repeat the debate", replied Thierry Baëza. "But we're trying to make me look like the bad guy. I am happy to see that the mayor of Frontignan is also stepping up to the plate. But on the agglomeration's budget, the others have less but there are 40 million over a financial year for the eastern entrance to Sète. And, regarding Travelers, Sète refused the 2018 reception plan but has not offered anything since. While we are in good standing".

Extension of video protection

As for the theme of the quality of public service, the 2024 budget provides in particular for the continuation of accessibility, the repair of the roof of the town hall – "yes it's raining in the town hall", underlined Marcel Graine – the creation of the new municipal technical center and the extension of video protection. Finally, as part of the revitalization of local life, the 2024 budget will be focused on the organ of the Pénitents chapel, the renovation of the tennis club clubhouse, without forgetting support for local associations.

Things to improve for Phocas

"I have already said all the good things I thought about this budget", commented Gilles Phocas for the Union Mézoise list, "but the City is still classified in several categories beyond the average of cities in the same stratum", he said in substance.  

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