La Massana Council Approves Equal-Contribution Staff Pension Reform

La Massana parish council unanimously approved reforms to its staff pension plan on Monday, shifting to individualized accounts that match employee contributions up to 4% of salary, while addressing past irregularities and adapting to public sector regulations.

Workers who have completed probation can now select 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4% of their salary for personal pension accounts, with the council providing an equal match. This replaces the previous collective fund, where the parish contributed 4.5% and staff paid 1% toward CASS supplements. The new structure separates pension benefits from CASS coverage, introducing 50-50 cost-sharing for the latter. Maximum combined contributions could reach 8%.

Minor Consul Roger Fité, who presented the updated regulations, said the changes align with the public function ordinance approved last December and draw from government models. He highlighted how the system "incentivises responsibility in savings" and promotes parity, with annual increases limited to once yearly for budgeting and reductions allowed anytime.

Major Consul Eva Sansa noted the reform prevents repeats of irregularities identified in spring 2024, which prompted a prosecutorial complaint—still under investigation at the Batllia—against the parish's former comptroller, currently on voluntary leave. She confirmed full fund accessibility, with past annual costs over €100,000 now varying by uptake. Staff will confirm choices via a forthcoming tender.

The session also approved a proposed law on institutional consultation for parishes, set for parliamentary consideration in September. It aims to formalize regular consuls' meetings to enhance dialogue on shared competencies.

Council members greenlit reclassifying a land unit from residential to services zoning for urban coherence amid surrounding industrial and agricultural activity. They also awarded a €458,000 contract to repair the Escàs reservoir and restore three potable water intakes—Canal Gran, Pregona, and Corb—which had long been inactive. Councillor for Works Kevin Poulet said the nine-week project, due by early October, boosts water efficiency and anticipates potential developments. Since taking office in January 2024, the administration has invested €5.6 million in water networks, targeting €8 million by mandate's end. Poulet urged caution despite current ample supplies from winter snowfalls, recalling 2023 drought restrictions.