This Wednesday marked the first City Council meeting of 2024. This session provided municipal officials with the opportunity to discuss various current issues, notably the city of Nice’s budgetary concerns for the year 2024.
For the past 14 years, the municipal budget has been committed to providing a high level of service while ensuring that rates remain affordable for all. This commitment is reflected in significant investments in essential areas such as security, early childhood, and culture. The pricing policy implemented aims particularly at ensuring accessibility for all residents of Nice.
The budget debate began with the enumeration of investments. “120 million euros in total planned for social cohesion, culture, education, ecological transition and attractiveness,” explained Christian Estrosi.
A budget to support the development and well-being of the city
This year, the municipality of Nice has launched several ambitious projects aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal and ensuring the safety of its residents.
Among these initiatives, the continuation of the Paillon promenade will help create a true green lung in the heart of the city as part of the ecological transition. Simultaneously, the municipality is focusing on improving sports and school facilities.
Christian Estrosi also mentioned during this Council meeting a significant recruitment of staff in the municipal sector to ensure quality service at all levels. Furthermore, a substantial financial support of twenty million euros will be provided to local associations, thereby promoting their development and their contribution to the community’s life.
Security: a priority for the mayor of Nice
In Nice, the fifth-largest city in France, security is a priority at all levels. In recent years, crime rates have decreased, placing Nice at 32nd for sexual violence, at 34th for narcotics, and even at 19th for burglaries.
In an effort to reduce misdemeanors, the municipality of Nice plans to install new surveillance cameras in various neighborhoods of the city. The use of artificial intelligence, digital tools, and new equipment will enable enhanced surveillance and quicker response in case of incidents.
Increase in tax rates and opposition from elected officials
During the council meeting, Christian Estrosi addressed a much-anticipated and debated issue: the increase in taxes. He justified this increase by citing inflation, expenses linked to ecology, and especially security. ” Security comes at a price, ” he stated.
The increase in taxes provoked uproar at the council, notably from the opposition. Within the LR, Bernard Chaix strongly opposes this tax hike and offers an alternative solution: “Reduce operational expenses of municipalities.“
The ecologist group criticized the 200 million euros investment in the police headquarters, calling it the “most expensive in France.” They also questioned the development of the green corridor as well as the ephemeral sporting events, claiming it creates “15 years of debt for just 15 days of festivities.“
