The Diputación de Albacete held its plenary session for the month of April on Thursday. Among the issues discussed were budgetary matters, technical cooperation with municipalities and public entities, and the expansion of their electronic administration platform ‘Sedipualba’ to more administrations nationwide.
One of the most significant agreements reached was related to point 9, where the modification of the ordinance regulating subsidies for the joint maintenance of the Secretariat-Intervention position was approved. This modification aims to broaden its scope and improve its practical application, adapting it to the reality of the province.
This update represents a step forward in the Government team’s strategy to firmly support municipalities, especially the smaller ones, so they can have a fundamental pillar of local administration: the Secretariat-Intervention position.
With this update, population limits are expanded, allowing municipalities with none exceeding 2,000 inhabitants to group together, with one of them having less than 1,000 inhabitants. The maximum number of entities that can be grouped is now up to four municipalities when the total population does not exceed 2,500 inhabitants, and two otherwise.
Additionally, a new section is introduced to recognize the reality of smaller municipalities with less than 500 inhabitants that carry out these functions through accumulation, so they can also benefit from these subsidies.
Efficient, transparent, and close management
This initiative solidifies the Government team’s commitment to real support for local administration. Since 2019, the budget allocation supporting these subsidies has increased by over 50%, demonstrating the willingness to reinforce municipal administration and dignify the key role played by secretaries-interventors.
These professionals ensure legality, economic efficiency, and good management in municipalities. In municipalities with limited resources, their presence makes the difference between a viable administration and an overloaded one, and is crucial for public services to reach the population fairly.
Furthermore, this grouped formula supported by the Diputación not only eases the economic burden on municipalities but also promotes job stability for those in these positions, contributing to retaining talent in towns.
On another note, Antonio Serrano, spokesperson for the Popular Group in the Diputación de Albacete, has described the unanimous approval by political groups of the Popular Party’s motion to provide small municipalities with greater autonomy and resources for seasonal staff hiring as «good news for the province’s mayors.»
The purpose of this proposal is to maintain quality services during periods of population growth, which usually occurs in summer when cultural, festive, religious, or sporting events take place. Serrano expressed satisfaction with the commitment of 1 million euros from the government team for this specific call.
«We, the mayors and councilors of this Diputación, understand the real needs of our municipalities,» said Antonio Serrano, thanking the unanimous support of the political groups.
Puente de Híjar Road
Serrano has also proposed that the maintenance and adaptation of the Puente de Híjar road, which is a continuation of a provincially owned road but belongs to the Segura Hydrographic Confederation, be included in the set of actions to be carried out in the Sierra del Segura area following the severe damage caused by the DANA that struck Letur municipality last October.
He conveyed this to the Diputación plenary, where he requested the institution to lead a negotiating committee involving the mayors of Socovos, Férez, and Letur to find a definitive solution to this important communication route, essential for connecting these Sierra del Segura towns to the Hellín Region.
«We must take advantage of this moment to negotiate with the Hydrographic Confederation the definitive repair or reconstruction of the Puente de Híjar, and then transfer ownership to the Diputación. We believe the time has come to close a chapter that has been dragging on for the last 20 years,» explained Antonio Serrano.
The Popular Group spokesperson emphasized the importance of this road for Sierra residents, both due to its connection to the Hellín Regional Hospital and the traffic it handles, including the transportation of goods and tourism. He urged the government team to accelerate negotiations and reach a definitive agreement with the mayors affected by this section that crosses the Híjar River.
FUENTE