The Orihuela City Council’s governing team has initially approved the 2025 Municipal Budget following an extraordinary plenary session. The total budget amounts to €116,987,227.96 and focuses on four key pillars: improving municipal services, economic growth, social and cultural development, and environmental sustainability.
BREAKDOWN OF THE BUDGET
Enhancing Citizen Services:
40.49% of the budget (€47.37 million) will strengthen municipal services, with personnel expenses increasing by over €8 million compared to last year. This includes €3.5 million for implementing the Job Position Structure (RPT) and €1.25 million for the first phase of professional career development for public employees.
Modernisation and Sustainability:
Key services like urban waste collection and street cleaning will be upgraded. Adjusting the urban waste fee will cover 92.75% of service costs, freeing resources for other priority projects. Plans include renewing waste collection vehicles, updating containers, and modernising the transport fleet.
Cultural and Educational Boosts:
Funding for cultural and educational groups and associations will increase, including collaborations with the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) on initiatives like the Oriol Chair and the Science Park. The budget also allocates €15,000 to the Miguel Hernández Foundation and supports other organisations dedicated to preserving Orihuela’s historical and artistic heritage.
Investments:
Investments amount to €2.97 million, complemented by projects financed through loans exceeding €41 million from 2024. Initiatives include enhancing essential services like waste collection and street cleaning, as well as restoring the historic centre of Orihuela, including the remodelling of Paseo Calvo Sotelo.
Next Steps
The approved draft budget will be published in the Provincial Official Gazette (BOP) and on Orihuela’s Electronic Headquarters website. A 15-business-day period will follow for public objections, with final approval expected in February 2025.
Mayor’s Statement
Mayor Pepe Vegara expressed satisfaction with the approval, emphasizing that, for the second consecutive year, the administration has delivered a municipal budget vital for advancing projects and investments that improve services for Orihuela residents. He also thanked the economic team and the governing body for prioritising the city’s needs.
