Puerto de la Cruz Approves Record €50 Million Budget Focused on Residents

Puerto de la Cruz is focusing on its residents with a record-breaking budget, the largest in the town's history, surpassing 50 million euros.

Mayor Leopoldo Afonso announced the upcoming year's accounts, totalling 50,047,392.51 euros. This is an increase of 8.91% from last year and will fund improvements to public services, boost tourism in the well-known town, and advance projects within the Sustainable City department.

He was joined by Deputy Mayors David Hernández and Alonso Acevedo, along with Finance Councillor Pedro Antonio Campos. Campos provided details of the financial plan, which will be presented for approval at a special council meeting next Monday. The plan has already been shared with the opposition party, PSOE.

Campos highlighted that the Social Action department will receive a 17.15% increase, described as "the biggest social boost ever made in the city." The security budget will also rise by 8.28%, providing more resources, equipment, and operational capabilities. An additional 1.1 million euros will be dedicated to Culture.

A significant change for City Council staff will be the introduction of a new Staffing Structure (RPT). This includes 160 civil servant positions and 133 labour positions, following discussions with trade unions, in addition to the 30 workers already hired.

Campos also confirmed that from January 1st next year, the budget will take effect, along with a reduction in the Property Tax (IBI) from 0.53% to 0.52%. Tax benefits for large families and incentives for rental properties with limited income will also be expanded.

Key goals for the coming year include putting out tenders for new contracts for gardening, street cleaning, and waste management services. The Integrated Water Cycle will also be put out for concession, attracting an external investment of 30 million euros. The same amount will be invested in building two underground car parks through public works concessions.