For the sixth consecutive year, Albenga has approved the budget forecast, totaling 49,277,553.80 euros by the year’s end, while maintaining the same municipal tax rates. The budget was approved by the majority in the City Council on Tuesday, with the minority abstaining in a spirit of institutional cooperation.
Silvia Pelosi, Deputy Mayor responsible for the budget, stated, “Once again this year, we managed to approve the budget by December 31 without increasing tax rates, a precise goal we set and successfully achieved.” Pelosi emphasized the challenges faced due to the uncertain international environment, impacting public entities, families, and businesses. The 2025 Budget Law imposed further financial constraints, implementing significant cuts to local authorities.
Despite rising costs for external services, the administration avoided raising the rates of IMU, additional IRPEF, and individual demand services, keeping them steady compared to previous years. Pelosi remarked, “It was a particularly challenging effort, but we were determined to keep our campaign promises, demonstrating the seriousness and consistency of this Administration.”
The deputy mayor has warned that if the government continues to disadvantage local authorities, the municipality may be forced to increase fees or cut services. The 2024 spending review has already reduced state transfers to municipalities by over 150,000 euros, with a further reduction of 100,000 euros anticipated for 2025 and beyond. However, thanks to effective accountability measures, a significant achievement has been reached.
Pelosi concluded: “A budget inspired by prudence and seriousness, but also by the economic growth of the city, investments, and the protection of families and vulnerable groups, the promotion of tourism, events, and commercial growth of a town that, thanks to the foresight of the previous administration, is transforming into a city of endless potential and developments in every sector, with a broader and more far-reaching vision of what it can become and represent for our children and their future.”
In 2025, numerous investments are also planned to enhance and develop the area. Among the main initiatives is the seismic upgrade of the Paccini school gymnasium, along with both external and internal renovation, with a budget of 530,000 euros. An important urban regeneration programme is also planned for the Vadino area, focusing on the redevelopment of the former slaughterhouse, with an investment of 330,000 euros.
Another significant project involves the construction of new burial niches in the main cemetery, with an allocated budget of 260,000 euros. Additionally, the upgrading of road bridges on Che Guevara Street and in Rio Carenda and Antognano is planned, supported by a funding of 550,000 euros. The Lusignano area will undergo urban regeneration initiatives, with a substantial investment of 1,300,000 euros.
To enhance access to Iris Village, the expansion of the road junction will be undertaken, with an allocation of 130,000 euros. In the area of hydraulic infrastructure, there are plans for functional restoration and extraordinary maintenance of the streams in the territory, with a budget of 300,000 euros. The project for the Beronaire Bridge will receive funding of 175,300 euros.
The renovation of the Town Hall façade and terrace is another planned project, with an investment of 136,848 euros. The Leca secondary schools will benefit from a facade maintenance, with a budget of 350,000 euros. Additionally, the maintenance of firebreak roads is scheduled with a provision of 125,000 euros, while the revitalisation of the Oddo Palace Museum will receive 200,000 euros.
In total, the amount allocated for these projects amounts to 4,387,148 euros, a significant investment for the development and safety of the area.
(effe)