Northern basins: After more than two years of debate, the elected representatives of the Agglomeration still so divided

Like a sense of deja vu. Tuesday evening at the Agglomeration Council, we had the impression of going back two years. In June 2022 when elected officials voted, after a passionate debate, the creation of two Nordic pools and the renovation of two existing swimming pools (Albi and Saint-Juéry). Two years later, we witnessed the same debate with the same fault lines.

As could be expected, it was the upward revision of €4 million of the bill (nearly €28.5 million in total) which launched the hostilities. The latest technical diagnostics highlighted a certain number of additional works which had not been budgeted for. Such as the repair of the waterproofing of the roof at Atlantis or the renovation of the paddling pool at Taranis. Knowing that in the overall envelope, the renovation of the existing accounts for 78%.

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Immediately, Albigensian municipal opposition rose to the occasion. Jean-Laurent Tonicello (left) called for “a sense of proportion”. “There is still time to take our responsibilities,” he said after recalling the precedent of the bridge. “Let’s renovate what already exists and renounce what is disproportionate.” Frédéric Cabrolier (RN) insisted on the fact that in the current situation, the Albigensian basin was not necessarily essential. Danielle Paturey (PCF) proposed to her colleagues to postpone the creation of the pools to future years and just renovate the existing one.

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The mayors opposed to the project attacked on other levels. Yves Chapron regretted the way in which this issue was managed, which still divides the Agglomeration and that “we were forbidden from studying other solutions”, particularly for the west of the territory. “I know that we represent a minority against Albi. But the others also exist and we would like to make our voices heard. Here, we are facing a steamroller,” he pleaded. Jean-François Rochedreux placed himself in relation to the future: “It is the chronicle of a predicted catastrophe”. He criticized “these oversized and unnecessary investments” at a time when other decisions are necessary. “Which Grand Albigensian are we going to leave to our children?”

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Opposite, the Albigensian elected officials gave their voice. Michel Franques, first of all in a very long intervention. The 1st deputy of Albi recalled that these pools would be used throughout northern Tarn at a time when knowing how to swim is a national priority. He gave examples of identical, more expensive projects. He received support from Eric Guillaumin (Mayor of Carlus): “Today, other territories are incapable of carrying out such a project. It’s an opportunity for us.”

Then the Albigensian elected officials took turns to defend the project. Marie-Corinne Fortin insisted on the expectations of parents. “We are the first economic center of the department, we have a role to play, we must place ourselves in another dimension,” launched Jean-Michel Bouat. “We have a duty of solidarity,” argued Roland Gilles. “Today, we can no longer create one swimming pool per municipality. We must assume our role of centrality and respond to the needs of these municipalities,” assured Stéphanie Guiraud-Chaumeil. “This project does not meet the needs of a municipality but of Greater Albigensians. Let us assume this role and carry this project with great pride,” she concluded.

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A big absentee in this debate: the mayor of Saint-Juéry, although he is primarily concerned and one of the main architects of this project. He did not speak, as in June 2022.

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The authorization revision was approved by eleven votes against, six abstentions and 31 for.