During the Gard Rhodanien agglomeration council which met this Monday, November 25, the budgetary orientation debate (DOB) led by Guy Aubanel highlighted the challenges and priorities with a view to the 2025 budget, which will be voted on in December. Uncertain international economic context, increased financial constraints and local objectives: here are the main points to remember.
A difficult global economic context
Internationally, global growth forecast for 2025 remains stable but disappointing, at 3.1%, notably due to persistent geopolitical tensions and slowed economic demand in Europe. In France, growth is expected to stagnate at 1.1%, with inflation reduced to 1.8%. However, the public deficit remains worrying, reaching 146 billion euros, while public debt peaks at 114.7% of GDP.
For local authorities, the slowdown in revenue (+3.4% in 2023 versus +5.2% in 2022) and the acceleration in spending (+6.1% in 2023) weigh heavily on their finances. These financial pressures are particularly visible in Gard Rhodanien.
Local finances under pressure
The Gard Rhodanien agglomeration is facing a reduction in its real operating revenue (-0.84% projected in 2024) in particular due to the elimination of the household waste removal tax (TEOM). Added to this is a significant increase in expenses, in particular those related to personnel (+2.7 million euros in 2024), caused by regulatory increases and an increase in sick leave.
General operating costs, impacted by inflation (energy, food), have also increased by 20% in 2024. Despite everything, the agglomeration manages to maintain gross savings close to 2.5 million euros, thus guaranteeing its investment capacity.
2025 objectives: prudence and ambition
Faced with these constraints, the agglomeration is adopting a cautious but ambitious approach. The 2025 budget aims to:
• Stabilize operating expenses thanks to rationalization of recruitment and strict management of general expenses.
• Maintain gross savings above 2.2 million eurosessential for financing investment projects.
• Continue major investmentswith a budget of 5.5 million euros dedicated to the territorial project. Among the priorities are the Tavel crèche, teen reception in Tavel, and studies for a community swimming pool.
Community pool debate
The project for an indoor swimming pool in Pargneux has sparked lively debates. While the municipality of Pont-Saint-Esprit has blocked a renovation project, a meeting planned between now and Christmas aims to present an overall costed development. The objective: to offer an attractive infrastructure, with a possible tourist impact, but realistic on a budgetary level.
Mobility and environment: priorities maintained
As part of the ecological transition, an envelope of 400,000 euros is planned to support soft mobility, in particular cycle paths and signage. At the same time, the GEMAPI budget (Aquatic Environment Management and Flood Prevention) could be increased, reaching 1.1 million euros, to strengthen prevention work in the face of bad weather.
Debt under control
With outstanding debt projected at 8.1 million euros in 2024, the agglomeration maintains a comfortable debt capacity. The debt reduction capacity, estimated at 3.25 years, remains well below the alert threshold of 10-12 years.
Conclusion: fragile but resilient balance
Despite economic uncertainties and budgetary constraints, the Gard Rhodanien conurbation continues its efforts to maintain financial balance while meeting the needs of its territory. Caution and anticipation remain the key words for the year to come.