La Massana Approves Public Water Company and Record 2026 Budget

La Massana parish council unanimously approved the creation of Aigües de la Massana, a fully public company to manage the complete water cycle from capture and treatment to distribution, maintenance, and infrastructure development. The move, passed during Monday's session, aims to address past shortages, an aging network, population growth, and climate challenges by enabling faster operations, long-term planning, leak detection technology, and equitable supply. Finance councillor Agustí Garcia described it as a "responsible, bold, and necessary" step for 24/7 service, with the council retaining control over tariffs and investments. Deputy mayor Roger Fité highlighted the need for agility under public management, while Mayor Eva Sansa noted the project's early phase, including a forthcoming feasibility study and possible future shares for technology partners. Current water staff will keep public employee status and can opt to stay with the council or join the company.

Councillors also approved the 2026 balanced budget of €28.975 million, a 19.5% rise from 2025's €24.24 million, with opposition abstentions. Capital spending hit a record €10.345 million, up 34% from €7.7 million, focusing on water network upgrades (€2.5 million), the parish's €4.6 million contribution to Massana-Ordino bypass works, new parking in Escàs and Arinsal (€1.3 million), a L'Aldosa services building over €2 million, Setúria refuge renovations, Plaça de les Fontetes upgrades, historic village renewals, extra green spaces, and playgrounds. Personnel expenses climbed 10% to €6.49 million for staff expansion from 166 to 174 and 3% IPC salary hikes. Goods and services rose 14-15% to €8.4 million. A €1.462 million payment will finalise the repurchase of EMAP preferred shares tied to prior Pal Arinsal ski debt. Projected debt stands at €6.7 million, or 31.8%—viewed as sustainable.

Revenues increased 19.53%, boosted by third-tier water rates rising from €1.05/m³ to €1.50/m³, updates to fees for new builds, businesses, and connections, a €120 minimum annual hygiene and lighting fee for commercial activities, and €150 for business registrations. Resident taxes like foc i lloc stayed flat, with the council covering 65% of service costs. The budget aligns with six priorities: water efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, economic and tourism boosts, urban planning reviews, IT modernization, and tax adjustments.

Provisional POUP changes, open to 30 days of public consultation and government approval, lift mandatory land cessions to 15%—LOGTU's legal cap—across urban, urbanizable, and non-consolidated areas to meet shortfalls in open spaces and facilities, supported by studies. Provisional housing on 3,000m² plots drops to 75m² per floor from 150m² to avoid permanent homes in under-serviced zones meant for temporary uses like farm sheds. Open-air construction material storage is banned to reduce visual, safety, hygiene, and environmental risks.

Other approvals included €52,000 for stormwater fixes in Carrer de les Entrades, €541,000 for tax software, and a new public service ordinance crafted with unions, covering equality, cybersecurity, staff classification, selection, mobility, and discipline. Opposition councillor Guillem Forné abstained, acknowledging merits despite differences.