Canillo parish passes €30.2M budget with 9.2% rise and record investments, while Ordino approves €21M

**Andorran Parishes Approve Varied 2026 Budgets Amid Revenue Challenges**

Canillo parish council approved its 2026 budget on Thursday, amounting to 30.2 million euros—a 9.2% increase from the prior year. The plan features record investments of 12.4 million euros, exceeding 40% of total spending. Consul Major Jordi Alcobé described it as balanced, focusing on public services, sustainability and infrastructure. Expected revenues include 16.3 million euros from operations, 7.5 million from capital and 6.3 million from financial sources, bolstered by 52.3% growth in direct taxes and 26.3% more from assets. Current spending stands at 15.7 million euros.

Major projects encompass 3 million euros for enhancing Canillo village aesthetics, 1.4 million for renovating telecabina building shops, and 750,000 euros toward a 3.25 million euro modular community centre at Forn de Calç. Additional allocations cover road safety (400,000 euros), equipment (360,000 euros) and playground improvements in Soldeu, l’Aldosa and Ransol (50,000 euros). The council greenlit purchasing a 4,500-square-metre plot at Prat del Portal de Branqueta for 2.6 million euros to develop protected green space.

Canillo further outsourced operations at Pont Tibetà, Mirador del Roc del Quer and Ca’l Federico to the Palau de Gel operator, securing at least 751,000 euros annually in fees—potentially up to 25% of their revenue. This deal includes the Armiana cable car, connecting former Pla campsite land to trails and reducing parish expenses. Alcobé highlighted its role in efficiently boosting family tourism.

These figures follow robust third-quarter 2025 results: a near-4 million euro surplus, 51.7% revenue utilisation, 37.8% expense execution, zero debt and 7.7 million euros in reserves.

Ordino parish endorsed its 2026 budget that same day, forecasting 16.2 million euros in revenues—down 1.3 million from 2025, primarily from urban planning revisions cutting construction taxes by roughly 1.8 million euros—against 21 million euros in expenses. This creates a 4.8 million euro deficit, to be covered by treasury reserves rather than new borrowing, though officials warn of potential debt needs for current expenses within three years absent alternative revenues. Finance councillor Ludovic Albós called the budget prudent, realistic and responsible amid the outlook, noting the revenue decline will persist. Investments reach 4.6 million euros for services and infrastructure, such as 820,000 euros for surface parking, 800,000 euros for water network phase three, 400,000 euros for a Serrat biomass facility, 390,000 euros (or 390,640 euros per some accounts) for sports centre roof repairs, 197,200 euros for Cortinada old town upgrades, 232,000 euros for playground renewals and 500,000 euros toward 1.4 million euros for Ordino Arcalís over three years. Current expenses climb 2.32% to 14.84 million euros (or 14.83 million euros), driven by staff and grants, with debt repayment of 980,000 euros leaving consolidated figures between 5.9 million and 9.45 million euros (or up to 10.5 million euros including Secnoa), at 55.73% of the permitted limit.

The minority, led by Enric Dolsa, abstained, highlighting personnel costs at 7.36 million euros (up nearly 3%), current revenues down over 20% to 7.04 million euros, an operating deficit approaching 7.8 million euros and 70-80% of roughly 9 million euros in annual government transfers funding operations rather than capital projects. Dolsa urged spending reductions, a hiring freeze and redirecting transfers, stating that with lower revenues, expenses cannot stay the same or rise, and personnel spending is climbing uncontrollably.

Consul Major Maria del Mar Coma and Albós responded that recent investments now demand maintenance, legal requirements necessitate more staff, and population growth requires expansions in ludoescola, nursery and sports facilities. Albós noted the new POUP was foreseen but adjustments take time; without new income beyond construction, borrowing for operations may arise soon. He emphasised diversifying revenues with government support and announced a 5% parking fee increase to offset losses.

Andorra la Vella approved its record 60.5 million euro 2026 budget on Friday, allocating 13 million euros to 152 projects—21% of the total and up 18% from 2025. Revenues are projected to grow 7.2%, led by 30.7% more from urban planning, including construction rights, ITP and real estate fees. Consuls Major Sergi González and Minor Olalla Losada emphasised housing, urban renewal, sports and environment, including 30 affordable homes at Cedre in Santa Coloma, senior housing at Calones and Reviu programme expansion. They called for more national aid on shared services. The budget anticipates a 1.5 million euro deficit, with nearly 2 million euros to cut debt.

Current spending comprises 70%: 21.5 million euros on personnel with bonuses and hires, 21.7 million on contracts. Finance councillor Joaquim Miró labelled it ambitious yet realistic, based on technical analysis and prior execution, steering clear of over-dependence on slowing construction.

Opposition from Democrats David Astrié and Rosa Maria Sabaté intensified over rate increases averaging 2.5% but topping inflation on essentials. They opposed the budget and planned BOPA schedules, deeming hikes “simultaneous and accumulated” amid living costs. A four-adult family with a dog and city-centre parking pass faces 902 euros more annually; a couple with child, two dogs and parking, 438 euros extra.

Impacted fees cover Serradells subscriptions (25% average, adding 7.50 euros monthly for residents), parking passes (2.5%, to 2.90 euros), hourly tickets (3.5%), fire and place tax (4.5% to 30 euros plus 1.50 euros), dog tax (7.87%), hygiene (5.5%) and towing (31%). Astrié challenged the 31% urban planning rise, “trust positions”, 9% fair budget growth and Serradells woes from a prior 35% cut causing 2 million euro costs and 1.5 million deficit. He pushed ending 30-minute free tourist parking and staggering increases.

Losada clarified Serradells tiers from January 1: full access at 405 euros yearly for residents (540 for non-residents), or 37.50/50 euros monthly; gym/pools/relax at 324/432 euros yearly, 30/40 monthly, with 10% direct debit discount. Updates tackle growth, gym air-conditioning and 2026 lockers, serving 3,600 users (1,735 residents).

Majority framed hikes as a “responsible review” below true costs, without profit aims. González affirmed free half-hour parking; Miró said fire tax adds just 1.50 euros. Debate touched absolute impacts, spending growth from 15 million euros in 2019 to 19 million in 2023, urbanism vulnerabilities and trust roles—unchanged in number from Democrats' tenure but with added duties.

Other measures: 147,810 euros for Can Rodes upgrades (drainage, camper separation, dog area, events); 353,179 euros for Baixada del Molí sidewalks (21-37), improving accessibility, safety, bike lanes, paving, lighting, utilities and a plaza near Pavelló Toni Martí.