The mayor of the commune, Joseph Segura, has decided to take action by proposing exemptions to revive local businesses. This recovery plan is composed of three main components.
This also leads to political choices that I fully assume. For the first magistrate of Saint Laurent Du Var, everything must be done to save the economy.
Exemptions for shopkeepers
Approved unanimously at the Municipal Council, these reliefs are made possible by the Fisac plan* “we received the fisac project from the Ministry of Economy and Finance since 2017 with actions in 2018,” affirms Joseph Segura. The objective is to thus help those shopkeepers who need it.
Among these exemptions are those concerning terraces: “the idea is to have temporary terraces that respect distancing measures.” This will result in the temporary abolition of street rights.
The town hall wanted to extend this decision beyond the confinement dates. “This is an exemption that starts on March 15 and will last until September 15, a total of six months,” indicates Thomas Berettoni, first deputy to the mayor. This includes terraces, taxis, commercial premises, carousels, etc.
This implies cuts in the city budget, “we might have far fewer events due to COVID-19. It forces us to make sacrifices and more structuring choices.”
High costs and fewer revenues
Just taking into account 250,000 euros only for the expansion of terraces. Subsequently, we have to remove the 250,000 euros from the advertising tax. We are already at a loss of 500,000 euros in revenues in the municipal accounts. Finally, if we consider all the investments to fight the epidemic, we reach the modest sum of 1.5 million euros.
Parking that has become free
For the mayor’s deputy from the LR party, it was necessary: “there was an exemption from non-payment for parking in the city center until the beginning of June. The ‘blue wave’ zone and the coastal area will remain free until the end of June.
Pedestrianizing the streets, not for everyone
According to the mayor, 80% of requests from restaurateurs and brewers were accepted. “There were some restaurateurs who, for example, asked me to extend their terrace on avenue General Leclerc, but the danger was that I would not have been able to ensure the safety of the customers.”
This strategy was developed with the support of the presidents of associations overseen by the Federation of Economic Actors Laurentins (FAEL). It is chaired by Thierry TEBOUL and has an annual budget of 50,000 euros per year.
Exemption from advertising tax
“The Mayor wanted to exempt 100% on a full year in 2020. All businesses and companies that pay an advertising and signage tax will be exempted.”
Implementation of the Fisac plan
Since its establishment, it has financed projects for shopkeepers to the tune of 190,000 euros between 2017 and 2018. For Marie-Paule Galéa, Deputy for Economic Life, the COVID-19 crisis has only accelerated requests. “From the first Municipal Council in March 2020, we put it to a vote and presented 14 files for a total of 99,000 euros for a total of 39 stores.”
Regarding subsidies, the State gives 20% and the commune 35%. Joseph Segura wants to remind that “we advance money to allow the artisan to conduct their work or purchases, and then the State reimburses us.”
The idea of dividing the city into sectors
The goal is to create interlocutors between shopkeepers and the city. “We have mapped the city into associations; there was nothing when I arrived during my previous term. We therefore mapped it into geographical sectors.
