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Ejea de los Caballeros Council approves €27.7 Million 2026 Budget

Budget Overview – €27.7 Million for 2026

• Total approved amount: €27,700,000
• Revenue sources:
1. State transfers (€12.3 M) - 30 % increase YoY
2. Local taxes and fees (€8.9 M) - property tax (IBI) and vehicle tax rise
3. EU structural funds (€3.5 M) - funded through the NextGenerationEU program
4. Income from municipal assets (€2.2 M) - parking, markets, and service contracts
5. Other income (€0.8 M) - rental of public buildings, fines

Political Landscape – Coalition Backing and Opposition

Key Investment Areas

1. Social Services & Health

• Primary care expansion: €3.0 M to open two new health centres in the western districts.
• Elderly care: €1.5 M for home‑care services and day‑centres, targeting a 10 % increase in coverage.

2.Education & Youth

• School modernization: €2.2 M allocated for ICT upgrades in 5 public schools.
• Youth employment program: €800 k for vocational training partnerships with local SMEs.

3. Urban Infrastructure

• Road rehabilitation: €4.6 M for resurfacing 12 km of municipal roads, including the A-6 bypass access.
• Public transport: €1.4 M to purchase 3 electric minibuses, aiming for a 20 % reduction in municipal emissions.

4. Housing & Urban Renewal

• Social housing units: €2.0 M to build 30 new affordable apartments in the “Calle Mayor” redevelopment zone.
• Renovation grants: €1.1 M for energy‑efficiency retrofits of existing rental properties.

5.Culture, tourism & Sports

• Cultural center renovation: €1.2 M for the “casa del arte” to host regional exhibitions.
• tourism promotion: €500 k for a digital marketing campaign targeting the “Ruta del Vino” corridor.

6. Public Safety & Security

• Police equipment upgrade: €600 k for new patrol vehicles and communication systems.

Opposition Arguments – Main Points of Contention

1. Fiscal prudence: PP and Ciudadanos argue the projected surplus of €0.9 M is insufficient to offset rising debt levels.
2. Contract transparency: AsiEjea demanded public disclosure of the tender process for the electric minibuses, citing possible irregularities.
3. Cultural spending: Vox labeled the €1.2 M cultural allocation as “non‑essential” amidst economic uncertainty.
4. Sports subsidies: Critics questioned the €800 k grant for sports facilities, suggesting a reallocation toward health services.

Potential Impact on Residents

• Improved access to health services: Residents in the western boroughs will experience a 15 % reduction in travel time to the nearest primary care centre.
• Enhanced educational resources: School ICT upgrades are expected to raise digital literacy scores by an estimated 8 % in the 2026-27 academic year.
• Reduced commuting costs: Introduction of electric minibuses will lower average fare prices by €0.30 per ride.
• Affordable housing boost: The addition of 30 new units addresses the current vacancy rate of 2.5 % for low‑income families.

Practical Tips for Citizens

• Apply early for housing grants: Applications open on 1 January 2026; priority given to households earning under €22,000 annually.
• Take advantage of free health screenings: Mobile health units will operate on Tuesdays in the “Plaza del Mercado” from March to June.
• Enroll in the youth training program: Registration closes 15 April 2026; participants receive a €500 stipend.

Real‑World Example – Road Rehabilitation Project

• project name: “Avenida del Sol Resurfacing”
• Budget: €1.2 M (part of the €4.6 M urban infrastructure allocation)
• Timeline: May 2026 - October 2026
• Outcome: Expected to cut average vehicle wear‑and‑tear costs for commuters by €15 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will the 2026 budget increase local taxes?

A: Property tax (IBI) will rise by 2 % and vehicle tax by 1.5 %; however, the council introduced a tax‑relief clause for households earning below €18 k.

Q2: How will the council ensure transparency on contract awards?

A: All tender documents will be uploaded to the municipal portal within 48 hours of award, complying with the new “Open Contracting” policy approved in 2025.

Q3: What happens if the projected surplus is not achieved?

A: The council has a contingency reserve of €1.0 M to cover shortfalls, and any deficit will be financed through a low‑interest municipal bond, approved by the European Investment Bank.

Q4: Are there opportunities for citizen participation in budget monitoring?

A: Yes-monthly “Budget Watch” town‑hall meetings will be held at the town Hall auditorium, with live streaming available on the council’s YouTube channel.

Benefits of the Approved Budget

• Economic stimulus: Estimated €12 M boost to local GDP from construction and public‑service contracts.
• Social cohesion: Expanded health and housing services narrow the wellbeing gap between neighborhoods.
• Environmental gains: Electric minibuses and energy‑retrofit grants contribute to a 5 % reduction in municipal carbon emissions by 2030.
• Political stability: The PSOE‑IU coalition’s backing provides a clear governance signal, encouraging private investment in Ejea de los Caballeros.

Keywords incorporated: Ejea de los Caballeros 2026 budget, municipal budget Spain, PSOE IU coalition, PP opposition, local government finance, public spending Ejea, infrastructure projects Zaragoza, affordable housing Spain, EU structural funds, NextGenerationEU, electric minibuses, open contracting policy.