The 2024 financial statements bolster credibility with banks, facilitating public investments with bank financing, according to João Teixeira Leite. The municipal revenue, excluding previous years’ balances, reached 60.7 million euros, surpassing the 57 million euros recorded in 2023.
This increase is attributed to higher current transfers, totaling 4.3 million euros, and increased rates, fines, and other penalties amounting to 394,000 euros. The document received approval from the executive, with favorable votes from the PSD and PS councilors, and opposition from the Chega councilor. It is set for review and voting at the municipal assembly, where the PSD-PS agreement ensures an absolute majority.
The revenue budget execution rate is set at 86%, thus meeting the legal minimum requirement of 85%. In terms of expenditure, the budget execution reached 78.6%, with payments totaling 59.9 million euros, marking an increase compared to 2023.
According to the local government, the rise is due to increased acquisition of goods and services, at 2.6 million euros, and personnel expenses, at 1.7 million euros. The municipality also reduced its debt by 1.2 million euros over the last year, bringing it down to 30.7 million euros. Since 2011, the municipal debt has decreased by approximately 69 million euros.
The mayor highlighted that this debt reduction enhances the municipality’s capacity to undertake further public investments. “We are well below our debt capacity. I am confident that in the coming months and years, the executives will turn to banking instruments for certain investments. We have the financial robustness to honor commitments and comply with the law,” he stated.
The average payment period to suppliers dropped from 35 days to 17 days. Manuela Estêvão, a councilor from Chega, cautioned that despite positive results, the municipal debt might rise due to ongoing investments funded through bank loans.
“The debt stands at 30.7 million, but this figure does not include the 2.6 million for the new rugby field, the million for the Ribeira de Santarém playing field, or the 600,000 euros for the synthetic turf at the Escola Superior Agrária. If current projects are completed, debt could rise to 56 million,” she noted.
