Audit highlights city’s financial status

The mayor of Besançon, Ludovic Fagaut, presented the results of a detailed financial audit conducted by a specialized firm. The audit, which cost 14,000€ over a month, will guide decisions on the city’s budget, investment plans, and the 2027 budget. Fagaut called it "a precise snapshot of the situation we inherit at this moment."

City’s financial health described as satisfactory

The audit found the city’s financial situation to be generally positive, with a gross savings rate of 19.6% and the ability to reduce debt over about three years. However, Fagaut noted that Besançon is in the lower range compared to similar local governments and that investment levels have not reached their previous potential.

Former administration credits financial stability

The former majority, led by the former deputy mayor of Finance, claimed the audit shows a "financially robust situation" resulting from good management since 2020. Emmanuel Huot-Cusenier, deputy mayor for Human Resources, noted a 16 million euro increase in payroll costs from 2020 to 2026, now representing 55% of the 2025 operating budget.

Loss of subsidies due to funding changes

Fabrice Taillard, deputy mayor for Finance, said the Grand Besançon Métropole is no longer eligible for a key subsidy fund, leading to a loss of about 6 million euros. He criticized the national criteria for the fund as "quite theoretical," arguing they overstate the city’s financial position.

Shortfall in funding for major projects

A key concern raised was the lack of budget for several investment projects, totaling about 14 million euros. Notable projects include the International Stay Center (CIS), which needs an additional 2.6 million euros, and others like the Jean Macé School and the Citadel Intramuros Lighting.

Previous administration defends investment plan

The former administration defended its investment plan, which allocates 284 million euros from 2026 to 2030 for major urban projects, school renovations, and greening efforts. They argued the so-called "deficit" in the plan is less than 6% of total planned operations and criticized the new team’s proposal to reduce investment to 45 million euros by 2027.

New priorities and project adjustments

Fagaut warned that some projects in the investment plan may need arbitration to fund, as he aims to maintain an annual investment target of 45 million euros. A revision of priorities is underway, with some projects like the CIS being abandoned or delayed due to population changes and financial constraints.

Payroll management and revenue optimization

Huot-Cusenier assured employees that payroll savings are not planned, but emphasized managing costs by avoiding overtime and new hires unless necessary. Taillard stressed the need to optimize revenues through public-private partnerships and seek maximum subsidies from all possible partners.

Criticism of 2027 finance bill

Fagaut criticized the 2027 finance bill, calling for a shield to protect large cities from increased financial burdens. He was supported by mayors from Toulouse, Le Mans, and Lyon, who also criticized changes to VAT rules and the allocation of the FCTVA fund.