The community takes out the checkbook to host the event on its territory, in Balaruc-les-Bains and Sète, on May 13. Explanations.
The passage of the flame to Balaruc-les-Bains, then to Sète, is on May 13. An event which is not without consequences on the finances of the Agglomeration, which carries the meeting on its shoulders. To accommodate such a crossing, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (COJO) contacted all the Departments of France. Price of the “entry ticket”: €150,000 excluding tax, or €180,000. In view of this amount, Hérault refused to take out the check book.
“A strong visual impact”
Things could have stayed there. But faced with the opportunity that the passage of the Olympic flame represents in terms of image, a Millau-Sète-Montpellier trio, on the proposal of Michaël Delafosse, the mayor of Montpellier and president of Montpellier Méditerranée Métropole, has gradually emerged between 2022 and 2023.
“It’s a long-standing collaboration. The visual impact will be strong, with the Saint-Clair, the Thau pond, the Millau viaduct…”retains the mayor of Sète and president of Sète Agglo François Commeinhes, who recalls the initial wish to see the flame cross the 14 municipalities of the Agglo. “But the Olympic committee only retained Sète and Balaruc-les Bains…” As a consolation prize, 2,600 schoolchildren from Sète Agglo will attend the event.
Montpellier assumes most of the cost
Montpellier having initiated this three-party project, its metropolis assumes most of the financial cost. She puts €100,000 on the table. Sète Agglo’s share amounts to €60,000, while Millau only supports €20,000. According to our information, the Sétoise Agglopôle was able to pay its share over two financial years, i.e. twice €30,000 over two years. Then add all costs linked, in particular, to security and festivities, borne by the City of Sète. Costs not yet quantified.
As for the local benefits to be expected from the event, like the popular enthusiasm for the meeting, they remain unclear. “We have no visibility on the expected attendance on May 13”, recognized Eric Perriguey, the head of the municipal police, on April 26. So, will Sète catch fire? Will the passage of the flame last long? Response on May 13…
