The ruling Partido Popular government used its absolute majority to approve the interim budget for 2009, all the opposition members voting against the motion.
The budget for 2009 is set at €24.85 million, an overall reduction of 16.9%. Proposed investment has been reduced by 31.1% to €4.2 million, staff costs reduced by 15% and allowances to the various political organisations has been cut by 20%.
Taxes for 2009 have been frozen and rates will only increase by the CPI during the period June 2007 to July 2008, namely 5.8%.
Assistance to familes in need due to the current economic crisis will rise by 135%.
The Mayor’s viewpoint is that the budget is a sort of austerity package, but one still aimed at improving the quality of life of the residents of the municipality.
The Opposition PSOE has branded the budget ‘unrealistic’.