Escaldes-Engordany Closes 2025 with €39.6M Record Revenue, €1M Surplus

Escaldes-Engordany parish council has closed the 2025 fiscal year with record revenues of 39.6 million euros and a surplus of nearly one million euros, while approving purchases of two new plots to expand public land holdings.

The council approved the budget execution for the fourth quarter and the general accounts, showing total revenues of 39.6 million euros—up from 37 million the previous year—and expenses of 38.6 million euros. This yielded a positive result of 996,338.14 euros. Finances councillor and deputy consul Quim Dolsa emphasised that the parish achieved this without new debt—maintaining zero indebtedness—or dipping into treasury reserves. He noted that revenues included some non-cash "in-kind" receipts, which would push the total value to around 45 million euros and boosted communal assets by over five million euros.

Direct taxes brought in 11.9 million euros, indirect taxes 1.5 million, and fees plus other income 13 million—two-thirds of the total. Parking revenues stood out at 5.7 million euros, despite partial closures at the Falgueró and Església facilities for construction work. Dolsa highlighted patrimonial income of 1.5 million euros, including 720,000 euros from SEMTEE and 458,000 euros in bank interest. Personnel costs totalled 13 million euros, or 28% of the budget—down from 52% in 2012.

Dolsa stressed the declining reliance on construction taxes, which contributed just 2.9 million euros or 7.5% of revenues, compared to 17% in 2022 and 11.5% in 2024. "We have achieved record revenues with the lowest-ever construction tax figure," he said, countering perceptions of over-dependence on building activity while noting its broader economic benefits.

Investments reached 11.5 million euros—the second-highest on record after 17.5 million the prior year—largely for parking projects.

In the same session, the council greenlit two land acquisitions. The first, a 263.9-square-metre plot called Hort de l’Obac Casa Peret de la Molinera near Espai Caldes, cost 165,000 euros. It will ease vehicle access to a thermal water reservoir, previously reachable only via a narrow path. The second, Horts i Terres Ensigents at Camí dels Vilars—a 1,689.7-square-metre site formerly owned by the old BPA bank—cost 252,000 euros after a public auction in the BOPA gazette. A 15% deposit of about 37,000 euros had already been paid. Dolsa said it could host future communal facilities, leisure areas or gardens.

Consul major Rosa Gili defended the strategy: "Sometimes it's better to buy assets than keep money in the bank." She cited past low-cost purchases now worth far more, useful for protecting wooded areas or land swaps. The opposition abstained on the Vilars plot, with councillor Gabriel Guerrero calling it "not a priority" tied to distant urban planning prospects, though potentially sensible if plans advance.

Other approvals included a 90,000-euro credit supplement for three waste and cleaning vehicles—opposition councillor Anna Garcia supported this for need but urged better initial budgeting—and 30,000 euros for protective flooring at Prat Gran sports facilities. The session also passed regulations for a youth council and Espai Jovent youth space.