Last night at the community council, elected officials adopted the community’s 2023 administrative account, between increased costs and surplus results.
“Results that allow us to finance our investments.” This is the line of conduct that seems to guide the elected representatives of Rodez Agglomération in their financial management of the community. At least, according to its elected officials, and first and foremost the financier of the Agglomeration, vice-president Christian Mazuc. During the validation of the 2023 administrative account, it made its diagnosis. And what emerges above all is news deemed reassuring, marked by surplus investment and operating results.
€58,000 for animal protection
It is in euros, the sum granted to two associations working for animal welfare, the SPA and Chat libre 12. For this year, the Ruthenian branch of the SPA is collecting €45,000. 13,000 were paid to Chat libre 12.
However, the elected official has not stopped reminding us that the context is not favourable. With rising expenses, inflation and energy costs in the lead, not to mention a 6.6% increase in the payroll, notably linked to the increase in the index point in the civil service. The fire at the Maison de l’Economie is also not for nothing, causing expenses of €200,000. But the results are catching up with this phenomenon. On the operating side, a surplus of €16.1 million is noted, as well as increasing gross savings, amounting to €11.3 million. “Our financial health is linked to sound management, without an increase in taxation”, notes Christian Mazuc, referring in particular to a reduction in outstanding debt, from €46.4 million in 2020 to €31.4 million in 2023.
Too little debate?
Thus, 19.8 million euros of investments were made, to which must be added 13.7 million carried over to this year. A situation denounced by the elected left-wing opposition, Marion Berardi. “Once again, there is a gap between planned and actual investments,” also regretting that additional work is not being carried out on the issue of sanitation. “We have an achievement rate of 71%, at the national level, the average is 53%,” assures Christian Teyssèdre, president of the Agglo. And then, I remind you that we have one of the cheapest waters in France !” Only two votes from Rodez Citoyen stood against the vote on this administrative account, accompanied by three abstentions.
A presentation which did not generate more debate… Which almost disappointed Christian Teyssèdre! “At the Agglomeration, we have a budget of more than 100 million euros, and almost no one reacts or asks questions,” he declares, attacking the opposition community councilors on this occasion.
A heatwave price in Aquavallon
When a red heatwave alert is triggered by Météo France, a special rate will be put in place at the Aquavallon swimming pool. From €4.10 usually for residents of Greater Rodez, in this case it will increase to €2. A deliberation adopted last night. Marion Berardi, opposition councilor for the Rodez Citoyen group, welcomes the sense of the measure but regrets that entry is not free. “Last year we tried, but there is also a question of security. We cannot accommodate 1,000 people at Aquavallon and the objective is not to refuse people,” replies the community advisor of the majority Alain Rauna.
