The first modification to Castelló's municipal budget for 2026, amounting to 10.97 million euros, has been presented by the government team as a sign of "good economic management." Of this sum, 10.4 million come from treasury surpluses and 500,000 euros from changes in purpose, redistributing over a hundred budget items. According to Mayor Begoña Carrasco, this operation will allow for the strengthening of services, activation of new investments, and adjustment of strategic lines four months after the initial approval of the accounts, which totaled 253.2 million euros.
The Councillor for Economy and Finance, Juan Carlos Redondo, detailed that the modification revolves around three main blocks: current expenditure, economic stimulus, and new investments. Approximately 3.7 million euros will be allocated to improve public services, including 666,000 euros for the new traffic light contract, around an additional million for the Education and Culture areas, and 395,000 euros for urban transport. The cultural increase will provide over 460,000 euros for annual campaigns and 55,000 euros for the Castelló Municipal Band. Additionally, administrative modernization and citizen participation will receive an extra 400,000 euros.
In the economic sphere, 920,000 euros will be allocated to revitalize commercial activity, with 800,000 euros designated for repeating the commerce voucher campaign. Complementary funds are also included for the online platform Marketplace, smart lockers, and support for vendors relocated from the Central Market, totaling 100,000 euros. This last allocation follows demands from the opposition, the PSPV and Compromís, to create a direct subsidy line.
Regarding investments, the modification will mobilize 4.24 million euros for specific actions. Notable allocations include 408,000 euros for rural roads, 679,000 euros for the maintenance of municipal buildings, an additional 149,000 euros for sewerage improvements to prevent flooding, and 500,000 euros for hydraulic infrastructure. The sum also includes 300,000 euros for participatory budgets and accessibility.
The housing sector concentrates over 1.1 million euros, including 400,000 euros for youth rental aid, 200,000 euros for acquiring social housing, and nearly half a million for home rehabilitation. Finally, the social block is completed with 1.7 million allocated to agreements and programs, such as the update of agreements with 35 local social entities, inclusion and dependency initiatives, and contributions to Ateneu Castelló and Cocemfe.
“"While others speak angrily, we work. Behind every figure there are people and life projects."
The processing of this modification now enters the plenary phase, with a five-day period for amendments before its expected approval in the ordinary plenary session in April. The municipal government estimates that the funds will be available by the end of May. The Councillor for Finance has confirmed that the operation reserves 4 million euros to amortize debt and that not all the surplus has been exhausted, leaving room for future modifications.
