Encamp Council Approves Carrying Capacity Study After Government Endorsement

Encamp – The Encamp parish council approved a study on the parish's maximum carrying capacity on Thursday, after receiving a binding government report on June 3 that endorsed its conclusions. The territorial diagnostic assesses physical and environmental limits for population and activities, providing data to shape urban planning and sustainable growth thresholds.

The analysis finds Encamp's services and infrastructure broadly sufficient to accommodate anticipated demographic increases over the next 10 years. Cònsol Major Laura Mas credited years of strategic planning and investments, noting the parish's readiness to manage projected changes. Highlights include ample capacity in drinking water supply and wastewater treatment, even with potential 2-4% climate-related water shortages. Electrical networks and waste processing capacity are rated strong, though further renewable energy adoption is recommended. The council has allocated close to €2 million for efficiency improvements, such as solar panels, and route optimizations in the new waste collection contract. The report flags over-reliance on the Maià landfill for soil and stone disposal due to operational constraints, suggesting expanded transfer centers. Mobility and road networks pose partial limitations, consistent with national reviews. Government approval requires enhanced data monitoring and controls for territorial oversight.

The session also covered first-quarter 2026 budget execution, closing with a €3.18 million provisional surplus as of March 31 and a 31.31% debt ratio. Participated firms Sercensa posted an €8,800 profit, while Gasopas recorded €468,000 provisionally, extending a softening trend from the previous year.

Staff conditions drew sharp focus after more than 100 workers sent a letter to consols and HR outlining demands, including shorter workweeks, year-round intensive schedules, telework rules, salary grid updates, compensation for frozen performance reviews since 2010, career progression, and up to two triennia for interim staff. The letter emphasized commitment to public service amid economic pressures affecting families, citing talent flight to other administrations and outdated 2023 pay adjustments that impacted only a third of staff.

Minority leader Marta Pujol highlighted workplace climate concerns, urging advances in reconciliation, flexibility, communication, and retention beyond wages alone. She welcomed ongoing work on career, hours, compensation, and telework regulations.

Mas described letters as a longstanding channel for staff input before the personnel commission existed, insisting they do not indicate poor morale. She confirmed the letter was referred to the commission with a written reply to signatories, similar to past requests like school holiday intensives that were implemented.

Cònsol Menor Xavier Fernández detailed reforms for September approval on work hours and compensation, offering varied schedules averaging 37.5 weekly hours to equalize annual totals—accommodating 12-hour shifts—and updating overtime, diets, and special payments. He noted the diversity of roles, from administration to maintenance, complicates uniform rules, hence external expertise. Encamp offers competitive pay but lacks structured advancement, he added.

A career regulation tender with Canillo, La Massana, and Escaldes-Engordany is set for award on July 7, targeting approval before mandate's end. Fernández said proposals were well-received by the commission this week, allowing two months for review.

To advance HR strategy, Aroa Gauchia Riba joins under special contract as strategic projects manager. Priorities encompass tailored training, career rules, leave reviews, corporate culture for stronger belonging, telework guidelines, and long-term professional growth. Pujol endorsed the steps but called for comprehensive change.