On Wednesday, 14 November 2023, the proposed 2024 municipal budgets for Marbella were presented to the council members. This is a preliminary step before the budgets are discussed in the council meeting scheduled for the following week. Marbella’s Mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, stated that the projected expenditure for the coming year would surpass 361 million, with an anticipated revenue of 373 million. This is an increase of 40 million compared to the current year’s budget.
Muñoz emphasized that these figures reflect Marbella’s growth, dynamism, and financial stability, while also maintaining a commitment to investment and social policies. She also mentioned that an expected 10 million euros would be received from the Court of Auditors, which could boost the town hall’s funds. This money is expected to come from the auctioning of assets owned by those convicted in cases such as Operación Malaya. Over four years, this is projected to bring in a total of 40 million euros.
The Mayor stated that these funds would be used for significant projects and to enhance the services offered to the residents. She also mentioned a payment of over two million euros made in October related to the case.
Muñoz also highlighted an increase of eight million euros in the plusvalía tax, bringing the total to 40 million euros. She stated that the tax on installations, construction, and works (ICIO) would remain unchanged, but a higher number of license applications are being processed. The 2024 budget is expected to include nearly 32 million euros, an increase of six million from 2023.
The Mayor also announced that the 2024 budget would include an additional seven million euros for investments compared to 2023, totaling 40 million euros. However, this figure does not include loans. She praised the budgets that were prepared using the city’s own resources.
The budget also includes allocations for various projects and improvements. Two million euros have been set aside for the enhancement and accessibility of the promenade, 500,000 euros for upgrading the local police force’s equipment, and 650,000 euros for installing video surveillance systems.
The budget also includes specific allocations for different areas within Marbella. San Pedro will have its own budget, including 200,000 euros for the renovation of Calle Marqués del Duero. Half a million euros have been allocated for the Africa Hostel car park project, which is being carried out in collaboration with the Junta de Andalucía.
The Urban Regeneration Plan will receive three million euros, which will be divided between Marbella, Nueva Andalucía, and Las Chapas. Additionally, 800,000 euros will be allocated for the construction of two playgrounds in the future Mediterranean Park, and another half a million euros will be used for the lighthouse.
Several sports facilities will also receive funding. The Trapiche del Prado retirement home will receive 2.2 million euros, almost three million will be allocated for the refurbishment of El Trapiche, two million for the Guadaiza Technification Centre, 400,000 euros for the Las Chapas swimming pool, and 1.8 million for the Antonio Serrano Lima sports centre.
The Mayor also mentioned plans for the Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas municipal stadium, including immediate demolition of the equipment and the commencement of various phases once the town planning regulations are enforced.
The area expected to see the most growth is social rights, personnel, and running costs, with a budget of nearly 14 million euros, a 13.61% increase from 2023. The budget also includes 184 million euros for staff salaries, an increase of four million from this year. Current spending and services are also expected to increase, with a budget of 105 million euros, which includes free bus transport for residents and general maintenance of districts, schools, and sports centres.
