Águilas saves €9 million and will use it to repave streets and other projects
Some of the initiatives include an upgraded athletics track and multi-sport courts in Los Jardines and on several beaches
Águilas is set to channel nearly €9 million in savings into significant urban and community development projects. Mayor Mari Carmen Moreno and Finance Councillor José Manuel Gálvez have just presented the final budget results for the past fiscal year, highlighting a net treasury surplus of €8,740,247.
“Despite the doomsayers who have repeatedly stated that after the numerous investments made last year, the City Council's savings would be zero, these figures prove the opposite,” the mayor asserted.
Crucially, the council has managed to make these huge savings without compromising on improvements to the town.
“To this figure,” the mayor pointed out, “we must add the zero debt of our Town Council after repaying our only bank loan last year. This was a loan formalised in 2016 with a financial institution to cover an agreement signed in 2006 by the previous Government Team for the operation of a golf course, a social centre and two paddle tennis courts in the area of Isla del Fraile. Ultimately, the combination of the accumulated surplus and zero debt makes us, possibly, the municipality in the Region with more than 30,000 inhabitants with the best financial solvency.”
Finance Councillor Gálvez emphasised that past budget surpluses have enabled Águilas to co-finance key projects with European funding. These include the Social Dynamisation Centre, a new study room, the Sports Centre swimming pool and the renovation of historical landmarks like the Chimenea de La Loma. Additionally, various parks and plazas have undergone improvements and cultural initiatives such as the Carnival and Holy Week storage facilities, as well as the acquisition of Casa Ruano, have been made possible.
Looking ahead, the nearly €9 million surplus will be allocated to several major initiatives.
These include a new phase of the Municipal Resurfacing Plan, the comprehensive renovation of the athletics track at the Sports Centre, the construction of multi-sport courts at Los Jardines and on various beaches in the town, the rehabilitation and/or replacement of the roofs of the Cultural Centre and the Market Square, as well as the renovation of the so-called Agrisel warehouse, where some of the Carnival floats are displayed.
“In short, we will continue to use all the tools and mechanisms available to continue investing in the municipality and continue improving all public services,” the councillor summed up.
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