Debate on allowances
The main focus of the meeting was the vote on allowances with an increase for elected officials. The monthly gross amounts were set at: €3,072.61 for the mayor, €564.89 for each of the 9 deputy mayors, €480.27 for the 15 councilors.
The opposition, represented by Jordan Puissant, expressed support for these amounts considering the required commitment, while regretting the lack of compensation for minority elected officials. He proposed a symbolic allowance of €50 for each of the 8 opposition members: “This would amount to €400 per month, or 3% of the total allocation. It is important to encourage a peaceful debate. We would have done it.”
In response, Pascal Chicot reiterated his position, with a hint of firmness: “You were aware of my position, which was in line with yours on these allowances. However, during the first municipal council, you did not wish to participate in the vote.” While not ruling out a future change, he conditioned any further reflection on the atmosphere of future council meetings. Jordan Puissant interpreted this response as a form of sanction linked to the legal appeal, which the mayor nuanced: “That is your interpretation.”
Pascal Chicot also expressed regret that this first meeting was not entirely peaceful. The establishment of commissions should allow for a more concrete discussion of the issues and specify municipal action. In a future article, the allocation of responsibilities among the deputy mayors will be detailed – a “who does what” suggested notably by Arnaud Lafon, now in the opposition.
