Laborious session at the Municipal Council in the new framework of the amphitheater on the ground floor of the main town hall (former civil registry space), which approved 148 deliberations plus two motions at the end of a long meeting that severely tested the physical endurance and concentration capabilities of some of its members.
Successful evaluation, one might even say in good spirits and with some hearty laughs, even if sometimes the atmosphere was more like a caravanserai than an agora. But, really, why can’t everyone play their role or interpret their part without having a stern face and looking upset?
Moreover, didn’t Seneca, in “De tranquillitate animi,” advise “sometimes it is a pleasure to go mad”?
With this predisposition, the debates around the two main points on the agenda (one intertwining with the other) were conducted vigorously but without excess.
The conclusions of the Regional Chamber of Accounts, after an initial report and the successive response from the Nice municipality, define the financial situation (2014) as “very concerning,” with a debt of €381.5 million to which the CRC adds €114 million from the Allianz Riviera.
The main explanation for this deterioration, according to Christian Estrosi, is the decrease in state grants, reduced by €24.6 million over three fiscal years.
The synthesis is a debt repayment capacity calculated in years that sharply increases: from 6.9 in 2011 to 9.5 in 2013, reaching 13.7 in 2014.
There is eager anticipation for the administrative account to assess the situation in 2015, which, according to the mayor of Nice, should allow for a free allocation surplus of €30 million.
For 2016, revenue is projected at €542.6 million (DGF – 9.9), with operating expenses at €523 million. Multi-year investments are set at €260 million for the period 2016-2020, slightly over €50 million annually.
The self-financing capacity is €20 million, with the need for new loans of €40 million in 2016 and €20 million in 2017 with historically low rates.
The housing tax rate (21.31%) is planned to decrease by 1% after a 5% increase the previous year (reduction of the rebate rate).
A first piece of good news is the definitive securing of the debt with the resolution of the dispute concerning the last toxic loan, benefiting from a special state fund contribution of €10 million.
Christian Estrosi does not shy away from taking responsibility: “I have requested budgetary orientations that will establish rigorous management to continue our efforts in management and savings.
He can ease the situation by appealing to the generosity of the President of the PACA Region, who will certainly be well-disposed towards co-financing the projects proposed by the … Mayor of Nice (ah, the advantage of wearing two hats!). “We should benefit from the legitimate and equitable contribution of the Region” is a statement that requires no interpretation or commentary.
In addition, the State will provide €1 billion to local authorities to finance major projects, notably the energy transition. Finally, European funds will have the capacity to finance projects that qualify.
This situation does not prevent Patrick Allemand from defining these orientations as “the reflection of budgetary difficulties.”
Marc Concas (DVG), in a participatory spirit, proposes to “reunite the finance committee with the aim of exploring [together] ways to significantly reduce the lifestyle of (our) community”?
Another opponent, less inclined to compromise, Olivier Bettati, suggests to the Mayor of Nice to read “The Grasshopper and the Ant” by Jean de La Fontaine.
Finally, which of Christian Estrosi, who announces wanting more than ever “to continue carrying out the policies undertaken,” or Patrick Allemand’s “it’s disastrous” gives the figures their true appreciation?
Final episode for the budget scheduled for April.
