Budget details released

Over 30 million euros will be dedicated to the day-to-day operations of the town, while 16 million euros is to be injected into new investments for the town’s future.Operating expenses are primarily to cover payroll, representing 38 per cent and 13 million euros of the total budget. Funds for risk provisions, self-financing, tax shares refundable to the government and individual resource funds stand at 4,377,500 euros for next year.

Debt interest concerns

Interest on the town's debt has been estimated to be 1,808,000 euros. The council has budgeted to rely on the public domain considerably in 2012, and expects to generate 4,181,000 euros from car parks and 470,000 euros from parking ticket machines.

For road, rail and water networks a ballpark budget stands at 1,914,000 euros for the next 12 months.Mayor Tuveri has, once again, chosen to estimate "cautiously" on the amount of money set aside for tax transferals, allowing a mere 3,300,000 euros. He also commented on the savings components, saying: "Since our arrival, a considerable 'clean-up' of the town has been realised. We have managed to achieve positive net savings which hasn't been easy."

With regards to future investments for Saint-Tropez, a considerable chunk of 2,115,000 euros has been set aside for the development of urban areas, including new roads and improved lighting in the Place des Lices, as well as renovation projects in the old town.

More than 950,000 euros will be spent on creating a museum within the Citadelle, while a cinema is set to open in the future Hotel de Paris.

Arts and culture

Historic arts and culture icons have not been forgotten, with 400,000 euros allocated to the revitalisation of two Saint-Tropez museums - the Galerie Gendarmerie and the historic cinema exhibition '7e art'.

When questioned by a member of the opposition, Vérane Guérin, about the effectiveness of the budget, Mr Tuveri assured all those present that his decision has taken people's concerns into account.

"All the investments we made in the 2010-11 budget have materialised. As we are anticipating a decrease in grants, we are being extra careful with next year's allocations," he said.  

Louise Kirby