Torrevieja exceeds 200 million euros for the first time in its 2027 budget, strengthening public services and consolidating major municipal investments.

The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, and the councilor for Economy and Finance, Domingo Paredes, presented this morning the draft Municipal Budget for the year 2027, which amounts to 200,198,787.49 euros , representing an increase of 12,465,867.74 euros compared to the 2026 budget, equivalent to 6.64%.

For the first time, the municipal accounts exceed the 200 million euro mark, maintaining a significant volume of investments and reinforcing the financial resources of some of the main public services provided to citizens.

The 2027 budget is characterized by the continuity of urban transformation projects initiated during previous years, the consolidation of investments already committed, and the increase in resources allocated to the operation and maintenance of the city.

Mayor Eduardo Dolón emphasized that “the 2027 budget continues the work carried out in recent years, guaranteeing the necessary resources to continue advancing the major projects underway in Torrevieja and, at the same time, strengthening the services that citizens need in their daily lives.”

Dolón pointed out that “this budget is not limited to contemplating new investments, but allows us to continue executing projects that we have already launched, while dedicating more resources to fundamental issues such as citizen security, cleaning, maintenance of parks and gardens, education and social care.”

For his part, the Councillor for Economy and Finance, Domingo Paredes, explained that the municipal accounts are balanced, with income and expenditure forecasts of the same amount and an economic structure that allows the ordinary operation of municipal services to be covered and the investment program to be maintained.

MORE THAN 2.1 MILLION EUROS IN ADDITION FOR LOCAL POLICE STAFF

One of the most significant increases in the 2027 budget occurs in the area of Security and Public Order, whose personnel chapter goes from 9,325,530 euros in 2026 to 11,465,311.95 euros in 2027 , which represents an increase of 2,139,781 euros, equivalent to 22.95%.

This increase allows for a strengthening of the budget allocated to the Local Police's human resources and addresses staffing needs related to providing public safety services. The total budget for the Security and Public Order program reaches €11,732,539.

Eduardo Dolón has emphasized that citizen security is one of the essential services of any municipality, especially in a city like Torrevieja, with a large resident population and a high influx of visitors for much of the year.

MORE RESOURCES FOR WASTE COLLECTION, STREET CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE OF PARKS AND GARDENS

The municipal budget also includes an increase in the funds allocated to three of the public services with the greatest impact on the maintenance and urban image of Torrevieja.

Specifically, current expenditure allocated to waste collection increases from 7,685,402 euros to 8,756,415 euros, representing an increase of 1,071,012 euros, equivalent to 13.94%.

For its part, street cleaning will have an allocation of 15,479,332 euros, compared to 14,742,946 euros in the previous year, with an increase of 736,385 euros, or 4.99% more.

These amounts are in addition to the increase in current spending for parks and gardens , whose allocation goes from 7,361,344 euros in 2026 to 8,162,620 euros in 2027, with an additional 801,276 euros, 10.88% more.

Overall, the City Council is increasing the current expenditure allocations for these three services by more than 2.6 million euros compared to the initial budget of the previous year.

The mayor pointed out that “a very significant portion of the budget is earmarked for improving the city’s daily operations. Just as important as building new infrastructure is ensuring that our streets, public spaces, parks, and gardens have the necessary resources for their maintenance and upkeep.”

In addition to current expenditure, the budget includes 3,298,144 euros for new investments in infrastructure and general use spaces within the parks and gardens program, continuing the actions of creation and improvement of green areas.

Strengthening social services and increasing subsidies to NGOs

Social policies continue to have a prominent presence in the 2027 municipal budget, both through direct assistance to citizens and through collaboration with social entities in the municipality.

The personnel chapter corresponding to the Primary Social Assistance program is increased by 647,666 euros , going from 3,334,572 euros to 3,982,238 euros, which represents an increase of 19.42%.

This allocation allows us to continue strengthening the staff structure of the municipal Social Services and to consolidate the positions incorporated in previous years, including the 16 corresponding to different professional profiles, such as social workers, psychologists, social integration technicians and social educators.

Likewise, the main social care programs are maintained, including the home help service, childcare, aid to families in vulnerable situations and policies to support dependent people.

In the area of cooperation and NGOs, current transfers from the corresponding program amount to 967,165 euros , compared to 804,700 euros in the previous year, representing an increase of 162,465 euros, equivalent to 20.19%.

This increase allows for strengthening the funding allocated to collaboration with social entities and organizations, which carry out support and care work for different groups in the municipality.

CONTINUATION OF NEW RENTAL AID FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

The 2027 budget also consolidates the new municipal rental assistance program for young people, an initiative incorporated into the 2026 budget with an initial allocation of €200,000, which can be increased to €300,000. The first call for applications for this assistance is scheduled for next November and will be intended to help cover rental expenses for 2026.

The grants will be aimed at young people between 18 and 35 years old residing in Torrevieja, who live in rented accommodation and meet the requirements established in the corresponding call for applications.

With its continuation in 2027, the City Council incorporates this line of support for youth emancipation into its municipal housing policies, with the aim of contributing to reducing the economic difficulties that many young people encounter in accessing and maintaining rental housing.

This measure complements the municipal actions aimed at expanding the supply of protected housing and facilitating access to affordable housing.

INVESTMENTS IN SCHOOLS AND A NEW SHADE PLAN FOR SCHOOLYARDS

Education is another area with new developments in the 2027 budget, especially in investments allocated to schools for Early Childhood Education, Primary Education and Special Education.

The corresponding program will have a total budget of €2,162,898 , compared to €1,017,035 in 2026, representing an increase of €1,145,863. Within this program, capital investments will reach €1,545,472, compared to the €399,609 projected in the previous year.

This increase will allow for the promotion of various improvements to educational facilities, including the incorporation of a shade plan in the courtyards of public schools , aimed at improving the conditions of use of outdoor spaces and providing areas protected from sun exposure.

Investments are also planned related to the improvement and adaptation of school playgrounds and other conservation and modernization actions in educational centers.

A NEW SPORTS INSTRUCTOR CONTRACT TO IMPROVE THE MUNICIPAL OFFER

In sports matters, the 2027 budget incorporates the necessary economic provisions for the development of the new contract for the promotion and development of sports, aimed at improving the sports monitor service and the offer of municipal physical activities.

The current expenditure of the Sports Promotion and Development program increases from 1,287,105 euros to 1,416,025 euros , with an increase of 128,919 euros, equivalent to 10.02%.

The new contract will allow for improvements in the organization and provision of municipal sports services, as well as the development of a program of activities aimed at different age groups and users of sports facilities.

Furthermore, current transfers allocated to this program increase to 590,000 euros , compared to 570,000 euros in the previous year, maintaining the lines of collaboration and support for local sport.

BOOSTING EMPLOYMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND THE IHUB TORRETECH

The Employment Promotion area will have a total budget of 4,376,278 euros , compared to the 4,103,048 euros planned for 2026. Within this program, the current expenditure chapter increases by 157,937 euros, reaching 718,355 euros.

Among the actions contemplated is the necessary financial allocation for the contract linked to the operation of the iHub Torretech , an initiative aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and the development of new business opportunities in the municipality.

This forecast is in addition to an investment of 1,023,274 euros allocated to the High Technology Business Center, within the 2027 investment annex.

Thus, the budget includes resources for the development of the equipment as well as for services related to its activity, within the framework of municipal policies to promote employment and local development.

MORE THAN 47 MILLION EUROS IN INVESTMENTS TO CONSOLIDATE MAJOR CITY PROJECTS

Chapter 6 of real investments reaches 47,029,655.96 euros , which represents an increase of 1.81% compared to the 2026 budget, when 46,191,308 euros were allocated.

The investment effort for 2027 is mainly aimed at continuing actions already announced and which are in different stages of processing, contracting or execution, guaranteeing the corresponding financial resources to advance in their development.

Among the most prominent projects are:

-Museum of the Sea and Salt and regeneration of its surroundings: 9,326,754 euros planned in 2027, within the action that includes the recovery of spaces linked to maritime and salt heritage.

-New Alzheimer's Day Center: 6,789,156 euros, to continue advancing in the development of this social and healthcare facility.

-Redevelopment of the Los Locos Beach promenade: 5,694,264 euros, intended to continue the transformation works of the seafront promenade.

-Remodeling of the La Plasa building: 3,981,019 euros, to continue the rehabilitation project of the Mercado de Abastos.

-Reorganization of the areas adjacent to the port: 3,819,480 euros, within the actions of transformation and improvement of the port environment.

-Casa Grande Business Park: 1,531,001 euros, to continue the redevelopment and modernization work on this business park.

-High Technology Business Center: 1,023,274 euros.

-Remodeling of the Ice Factory: 730,388 euros.

These amounts correspond to the budget allocations planned for 2027. In addition, the investment annex includes commitments and forecasts for the years 2028, 2029 and 2030, reflecting the multi-year nature of a significant part of the municipal projects.

Eduardo Dolón pointed out that “in recent years, significant urban transformation projects have been launched that require economic planning extending beyond a single year. The 2027 budget allows us to continue developing these projects and maintain the funding allocated for the different phases of implementation.”

TWO MILLION EUROS FOR PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING

The 2027 budget includes a €2,000,000 allocation for investments resulting from the participatory budgeting process. The process, the call for which was published on September 24, continues in accordance with the Municipal Participatory Budgeting Regulations.

The budget allocation will allow the necessary economic resources to be available to address the corresponding actions once the process is concluded and the required administrative procedures have been completed.

In this way, the City Council maintains the economic forecast allocated to citizen investment proposals, within the municipal program for the next fiscal year.

FINANCING INVESTMENTS THROUGH EQUITY, LOANS AND GRANTS

The Councillor for Economy and Finance, Domingo Paredes, explained that the annex of investments and capital transfers for 2027 includes a total annual amount of €47,560,314.04 , financed through various revenue sources included in the municipal accounts. Specifically, it includes €18,631,759.81 from the sale of municipal assets , €26,105,906.34 through loan operations, and €2,822,647.89 in subsidies.

Domingo Paredes explained that these financing methods operate through different mechanisms. On the one hand, the sale of assets involves obtaining resources through the transfer of municipal property or rights. On the other hand, loan operations allow for financing investments through credit agreements, in accordance with established requirements and procedures.

In this regard, the councilor noted that the 2026 budget already included revenue from the sale of municipal assets, although this financing method has not been necessary during the current fiscal year . “It is important to distinguish between the provisions included in the budget to finance investments and the actual use of those resources. Allocating funds for a sale or loan does not mean it has automatically been carried out, but rather that it provides a financial provision to cover planned investments,” Paredes explained.

The City Council also plans to allocate 2.82 million euros in subsidized funding, linked to the work of the Sea and Salt Museum, in addition to continuing to develop projects under various European funding programs.

Current expenditure reaches 87.6 million and municipal staff exceeds 51.9 million.

Regarding the budget's economic structure, Domingo Paredes explained that Chapter 1, corresponding to personnel expenses, reaches €51,960,023.75 , compared to €45,506,846 in the previous fiscal year. This 14.18% increase reflects salary projections, modifications and updates to the municipal staff roster, career development programs, and costs associated with social security contributions and obligations, in addition to the specific staffing needs of the various departments.

Meanwhile, chapter 2 of current goods and services stands at 87,615,418.74 euros , which represents an increase of 4.58% compared to 2026.

This chapter covers the main allocations intended for the ordinary operation of municipal public services, including cleaning, waste collection and treatment, maintenance of green areas, public services and facilities and other contracts necessary for the operation of the city.

Paredes pointed out that a significant part of the increase in current spending is related to the greater economic needs arising from landfill costs and the provision of municipal services.

Current transfers, included in chapter 4, amount to 11,511,254.30 euros , with an increase of 5.79%, intended to finance municipal contributions and subsidies to entities, organizations and beneficiaries of the different programs.

The councilor emphasized that “the budget increase is not solely focused on investments. A significant portion of the additional resources is allocated to cover the operational obligations of municipal services, strengthen certain personnel areas, and maintain programs and aid aimed at citizens.”

MAINTAINING TAX RATES AND IMPROVING TAX MANAGEMENT

Regarding revenue, the 2027 budget maintains the Property Tax rates, which are 0.4% for urban properties, 0.3% for rural properties, and 0.4% for properties with special characteristics .

The forecast for direct tax revenue is 61,333,512 euros, representing a slight decrease of 0.20% compared to the 2026 budget.

On the other hand, the expected revenue from indirect taxes reaches 12,109,392 euros, with an increase of 37.48%, while the revenue corresponding to fees, public prices and other concepts amounts to 33,383,712 euros, 9.02% more.

In this section, the City Council is considering improvements to the procedures for tax management, verification and inspection.

Among them, the collaboration with SUMA Tax Management in the area of inspection of the Tax on Constructions, Installations and Works (ICIO) stands out, with the aim of strengthening the control of tax obligations and promoting their correct settlement and collection.

Thus, the expected increase in tax revenues is due, among other factors, to estimates of economic activity and improvements in management and inspection, without the increase in the ICIO forecast being based on a rise in its tax rate.

Likewise, the current transfers foreseen in the income statement reach 43,544,999 euros , 16.80% more than in the previous year, including the estimates corresponding to the participation in the State taxes and other contributions from public administrations.

A BALANCED BUDGET FOR 2027

The 2027 Municipal Budget project is presented as balanced, with income and expenditure forecasts of 200,198,787.49 euros , and includes the necessary resources to finance the ordinary operation of municipal services and the programmed investments.

The Councillor for Economy and Finance explained that the accounts maintain a budgetary structure that combines the increase in personnel and services items with an investment effort that represents 23.49% of the total budget, solely in its chapter of real investments.

Finally, the mayor, Eduardo Dolón, highlighted that the 2027 budget will allow for the continuation of planned actions in the various areas of municipal management, maintaining the schedule of major projects and reinforcing the resources of Torrevieja's main public services.

“Our priority is to ensure that planned investments can continue to move forward and that municipal services have the necessary resources to meet the needs of a city that continues to grow. The 2027 budget is the economic instrument that will allow us to implement this planning during the next fiscal year,” the mayor concluded.