Nearly three hours of discussions… sometimes lively. The 2022 budget orientation debate largely animated the last council of the Strasbourg Eurometropolis (EMS) on Friday. One point in particular: the possible increase in property tax.
The majorityenvironmentalist starannounced it, it foresees an increase on its part. This would go from 1.5 points to 4.6. “This leads to an average annual additional contribution of 64 euros per household”, summarized the president of the agglomeration Pia Imbs about a tax which today concerns 186,707 households in the 33 municipalities of the EMS. Not to mention the companies that will also be affected. At a rate of “about 247 euros for commercial establishments and 1,811 euros for industrial establishments”.
Why such an increase? “For two major reasons: the increase in the level of public service with the creation of 300 additional positions on the mandate; but also with the development of the mobility offer in the Eurometropolis. I am thinking here in particular of the extensions of the tram and bus lines or the free public transport for those under 18, ”answers 20 minutes Siamak Agha-Babaei.
“Tax is not a swear word”
In total, the 3rd vice-president of the Eurometropolis in charge of budget and finance estimates the cost of all these measures at 240 million euros, over the mandate. Including 40 just for the first Metropolitan Express Network (REME) which will be launched next December and should increase the frequency of regional trains. “In this total, 115 million euros are absorbed by the community and 125 thanks to the tax lever”, he continues, assuming this increase in contributions. “Tax is not a dirty word, it is the guarantor of republican equality. There is always more population (just over 500,000) and public service in the Eurometropolis, so it is logical that it is increasing. »
An opinion not really shared by the opposition, whether it is usually moderate or not. Even yesterday’s allies of the majority, the socialist group close to Catherine Trautmann, shouted “a triple penalty for the inhabitants”. “Even a quadruple for those of Strasbourg who have already suffered a tax increase last year. Added to this is the increase in the cost of energy, the food basket and high inflation”, denounces Pernelle Richardot, estimating the total at “140 euros per year avenue de la Forêt Noire or Neuhof”.
A speech very close to that of the great beaten of the last municipal elections, Alain Fontanel. “This desired increase in the property tax is a double fault: firstly because the Eurometropolis multiplies its share by four, which is unheard of. Then because it comes at the worst time, in the midst of a purchasing power crisis, he regrets. Other cities, such as Lyon and Bordeaux where the ecological emergency is the same, have understood this and have not increased taxes. There were other ways of raising revenue, such as better controlling operating expenses. »
“One word does not appear in this budget: purchasing power. And for good reason, how can we talk about purchasing power when we increase the EMS share of property tax by 400% and the City share by 5%? These increases come at the worst time. »
— @AlainFontanel 💬 #CMStras pic.twitter.com/0DBKxiaW7C— Strasbourg Ensemble (@Stras_Ensemble) January 31, 2022
Response from his successor to the post? “The opposition has not made any alternative proposals or where to save money,” squeaks Siamak Agha-Babaei, who does not foresee any decline by March 25 and the final vote on the budget. Even if the discontent, already latent, were to rise: “We are quite calm. These are real political choices that we assume. »