The decision, made during the last plenary session, will allow for the amortization of an Aqualia loan totaling almost 937,000 euros, earmarked for improvements at the Drinking Water Treatment Plant (ETAP). Additionally, funds will be allocated to expand budgets for street paving, cobblestone work, and sidewalks, as well as the purchase of a small snowplow.
Among the new investments, the creation of an administrative assistant position for the Education department is included, alongside improvements in parks and gardens, and actions in schools, such as the naturalization of the CEIP San Lorenzo playground. The budget for festivities has also been increased by 250,000 euros, and 190,000 euros have been assigned for works on municipal buildings.
The Councillor for Finance and First Deputy Mayor, Juan José Blasco (PP), highlighted the drafting of the Cine Variedades rehabilitation project with 200,000 euros and the initial works at the Municipal Market with 400,000 euros. Blasco expressed regret over the failure to approve the General State Budgets, which, according to him, “strangles all local administrations” and hinders planning.
“"This modification proves us right that these were budgets that did not address the needs of the municipality and were flawed or lacked investments that, being structural expenses, were being left for the surplus."
PSOE spokesperson, Diego Díaz Palomo, criticized the management, stating that the initial budget did not cover the municipality's needs. He questioned the creation of an administrative assistant position as a “future expense” and the increase in the festivities budget, suggesting a possible link to the upcoming elections. Other opposition councillors, such as José María Herranz from Vecinos and Anahí Asenjo from Más Madrid, also expressed their reservations.
“"It is a matter of priorities, not photos or electoral interest. Once the previous year's account is settled and we know the savings we have, those needs that were left out of the budget are incorporated for execution."
Mayor Carlota López Esteban defended the measure as a matter of priorities and planning, denying electoral motivations. The credit modification was approved with votes in favor from the PP (eight), Vox (one), and Nosotros San Lorenzo (one), while Vecinos (two) and Más Madrid (one) abstained, and the PSOE (three) and Unidas El Escorial (one) voted against.
