Understanding the Recent Waste Tax Ordinance Discussion in Puerto del Rosario
In a recent interview on Radio Insular’s program La Voz de Fuerteventura, Juan Manuel Verdugo, the councilor for Finance and Culture in Puerto del Rosario, shed light on the municipality’s plans to re-evaluate the waste tax ordinance. Verdugo emphasized that this review hinges on the development of a new fiscal registry, which the Ayuntamiento (city council) is currently finalizing.
The Importance of the Fiscal Registry
Verdugo stated that the core of the forthcoming improvements will be determined by the results of this new fiscal registry. “Once we see that registry, we can introduce enhancements,” he affirmed. These enhancements could include offering a more favorable fiscal treatment based on service costs, and potentially increasing revenue for the municipality through the new registry.
Potential for Tax Reduction
While Verdugo was cautious about promising immediate tax decreases, he acknowledged that the possibility of lowering the tax is on the table. “The improvements could indeed mean reductions, but I can’t predict that now since we don’t yet have the final figures,” he explained. He noted that if the fiscal registry indicates higher revenue than the actual service costs, the council would be compelled to adjust the tax ordinance downward.
However, any revisions regarding the tax structure will not be implemented until 2027, as the current reductions already position the tax beneath the service cost for this fiscal year. For the upcoming two years, the council has already arranged a 30% reduction in the linear waste tax for all taxpayers, with an additional 30% for those eligible for discounts. Remarkably, nearly 5,500 discount applications have been processed, highlighting the significant demand for this fiscal relief.
Positive Financial Outlook
Switching gears, Verdugo also touched upon the recent decree by the central government aimed at easing the use of liquid cash reserves. Currently, Puerto del Rosario boasts a liquid reserve of nearly 27 million euros. However, Verdugo clarified that not all of these funds would be utilized; “It will certainly not be the entire 26 million euros,” he stated, while defending the municipality’s financial status. He expressed confidence in the 2026 budget execution, noting a positive surplus in the first quarter and anticipating a favorable closing for the fiscal year.
The budget modification that the Ayuntamiento is preparing could range between 8 to 9 million euros, which would unlock funds for various projects that were not included in the recently approved investment plan of 9.5 million euros. This initial plan focuses largely on road improvement and urban development.
Investment in Cultural Infrastructure
Verdugo provided insight into future initiatives funded through this budget modification. Plans are underway for infrastructure improvements related to cultural amenities and public spaces. He mentioned several exciting projects including:
- The development of the La Charca deposits and a nearby oratory.
- Overhauls at La Gavia de Los Hormigas, which will provide local association spaces.
- Enhancements to the municipal library and an upgrade of the Casa de la Cultura, involving plans for a new exhibition space and increasing the number of available galleries from four to five.
The library project is particularly notable, with ongoing work to install an elevator and additional renovations aimed at giving the building a significant facelift in the coming months.
Addressing Cultural Shortcomings
Despite these advancements, Verdugo acknowledged the existing structural deficit in cultural infrastructure within Puerto del Rosario. “With nearly 50,000 residents, it is illogical that we lack dedicated facilities for programming theater, music, and medium to large events,” he asserted, underlining the need for a proper auditorium or cultural venue.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
In addition to the structural improvements, the conversation turned to the ACONTRACULTURA festival, now in its fifth edition and firming up its place in the local cultural calendar. This festival features a wealth of activities that include literary presentations, theater, music, and critical discussions.
This evening, a notable event will occur, featuring a dialogue between Ignacio Escolar, director of El Diario.es, and Nico Castellano, a Cadena SER journalist. This conversation will unpack crucial subjects surrounding journalism, truth, misinformation, and the thresholds of falsehoods, taking place at the Casa de la Cultura at 19:30.
Verdugo highlighted that the cultural agenda driven by the municipal council aims for inclusivity, stressing the importance of preserving “fundamental rights and freedoms.” The programming reflects a commitment to diversity, as it has seen participation from various ideological perspectives, including notable figures such as Juan Manuel de Prada in previous events.
Finally, Verdugo extended an invitation for community participation in the festival, which will conclude tomorrow with a concert featuring Melón Diesel, alongside performances from Los Ochenteros and a tribute to Héroes del Silencio.
