The first municipal council of the new term had an air of studiousness and dialogue.
In front of a large audience, Sebastien Garrigues and his team laid the foundation for a mandate focused on dialogue and a claimed educational approach. Right from the start, the tone was set. Gone are the fixed habits: apart from the mayor, seating is free at each session, symbolizing a more open governance. Following this, several deliberations clarified the delegations granted to the mayor, with a stated goal of efficiency and flexibility in daily management to avoid frequent council meetings. A highly anticipated moment was the question of allowances. The total envelope remains unchanged at 5,400 euros, but the distribution has shifted and is displayed transparently. The mayor will receive 470 euros, deputies 320 euros, references 210 euros, and council members without delegation 140 euros. This new scale reflects a significant decrease in the mayor’s share, from 39% to 11% of the total envelope. In the opposition ranks, Michelle Gaulard praised this re-balancing effort while regretting the lack of remuneration for minority elected officials. Sebastien Garrigues responded by emphasizing flexibility based on work and communication styles. Each person’s delegations were presented, and municipal committees are also expected to reinvent themselves according to project needs, nature, and duration. Beyond decisions, perhaps it was the atmosphere that marked this first meeting. An emphasis on explanation, accessible communication, and the consistent thread: making education and dialogue the pillars of a term that begins under the watchful eye of residents.
