The last municipal council of the year was held on Monday December 16. It started with the usual report of decisions taken since October 30.
Finances and municipal rates.- A modifying decision to adjust the accounting entry for 2024 is voted on the water and sanitation budget. The 2025 prices which are changing concern motorhomes, for which the parking price changes from 13 euros to 13.50 euros, as well as the swimming pool, where a discount will be applied for people taking out at least two subscriptions for activities (- 50% on the second subscription for the same user).
Concerning the billing of water, which is done, as a reminder, according to consumption, the prices have been established taking into account the obligation to respect a minimum rate of 2 euros/m³ for water as for water. sanitation. This floor rate is imposed by the Adour Garonne Water Agency, so that the municipality is eligible for subsidies. The new regulations stipulate few changes, mainly concerning buildings under construction (connection and intervention on meter and network).
The fees set by the Water Agency vary as follows: levy on water resources: €0.053/m³; drinking water consumption: 0.32 euro/m³; performance of drinking water networks: 0.07 euro/m³; performance of sanitation networks: 0.105 €/m³.
The fixed part of the subscription is increased from 120 to 135 euros. The mayor, Robert Casadebaig, explains that this price change is made necessary, in particular, by the obligation to comply with the decisions of the Water Agency, both in terms of floor prices and fees. However, for many users who have moderate consumption, the increase remains limited and many households are even seeing a drop in their bill compared to the flat-rate bills in force until 2022. For all, the prices remain below those charged. in many surrounding communities. Voted unanimously minus 2 abstentions.
Canteen price.- As of January 1, 2025, the price of the meal invoiced by the college increases from 3.10 euros to 3.25 euros. This rate will therefore be that applied for nursery and elementary school students. The mayor reminds that a 20% discount is applied to families in Laruns with at least three children attending the canteen.
Artouste.- The price for on-piste rescue at Artouste has not changed. Furthermore, a partnership has been set up with the Artouste management which offers a children's season pass at the price of 70 euros instead of 119 euros public price. The municipality supplements the funding to the tune of 35 euros, which makes it possible to offer the children's season card at 35 euros for families of children attending school in Laruns until the end of 3rd year, or residing in Laruns for children attending school in another common.
Ceremony of November 11.- The municipal council decides to cover, up to 232.22 euros, small expenses incurred for the participation of volunteers (travel, accommodation, etc.). The mayor, upon reading the archives, was surprised that the budget allocated by the municipality for the construction of the war memorial in 1924 had represented 25% of the annual budget. “This means that everyone wanted to pay homage to their dead for France,” he observed.
Wood and forest.- The cable cuts carried out in 2019 in Bitet are today proof of a remarkable regeneration of the forest. For 2025, and in accordance with the municipal forest charter, the cuts to be carried out by the National Forestry Office (ONF) have been approved.
Associations.- The following subsidies are paid as part of tranche no. 6 included in the 2024 budget: Association of transhumant breeders of the Béarnaise valleys: 150 euros; Lescar Vélo Sprint: 4,000 euros; social action center 3,000 euros; and road safety: 50 euros.
Reinforced municipal staff
The number of municipal staff is reinforced by the transformation from part-time employment to full-time employment in town hall, as well as the creation of a full-time supervisor position assigned to the schools service. Mandatory insurance coverage for agents is also discussed with a contribution of 10 euros per month, and 21 euros for health coverage. “In terms of social protection for agents, the municipality was well ahead, and without obligation, for 12 years already,” specifies Mayor Robert Casadebaig.
