Resignation of center's president

On 15 July, the president of the social center Vallée de la Cèze in Saint-Ambroix resigned, and the board managing the center since 2019 followed suit in September. The director of the organization, Catherine Fleury, said an audit was conducted on the social structures because the intercommunal community realized the territory was not sufficiently covered.

Audit highlights coverage issues

The audit was funded by the CAF, and it should be noted that in an 8 km² area, there are three social structures: the social center Vallée de la Cèze in Saint-Ambroix, and the social living spaces (EVS) of Molières-sur-Cèze and Meyrannes. "If the three structures do not meet, it is a free-for-all," Catherine Fleury summarized.

New leadership faces financial challenges

Matthieu Clofullia, the new vice-president of the social center, expressed regret that the communes had not taken a position, noting that while the intercommunal community wished for a social center to interest the entire territory, no commune had engaged with them. David Macq, the new president of the social center, explained that upon taking office, there were 45 days of unpaid salaries.

Financial difficulties continue

The previous board had requested payment suspension from the court in late August, and the new board has taken over the finances, paying the salaries as well as the URSAFF schedule and staggering the bills. Matthieu Clofullia mentioned that the bank would make an advance if an institution provided a payment certificate.

Funding requests and delays

The social center has a departmental aid of 20,000 euros from the Gard, which is blocked, despite the work being completed on time and all submissions made to the platform on January 21. They estimate needing an additional 45,000 euros to wrap up the year, in addition to the 20,000 euros missing. A call for donations was launched on social networks, and the center has also activated a sponsorship campaign.

Seeking support from local authorities

The board is also seeking support from local authorities, with David Macq stating that if each commune of Cèze Cévennes gave them 2,000 euros, they would finish the year. He hopes that if subsidies from the Department and Bessèges fall, it will allow them to pay the October salaries. Cathy Chaulet, the departmental councilor for the canton, mentioned that some individual subsidies would be voted on during the session on November 6.

Delays and uncertainty

The social center received assurance that their request had been received but remained pending, with no clear timeline or reason for the delay. Chaulet assured that she had spoken with David Macq and believed everything would be regularized during the session, mentioning a quick payment of 10,000 euros plus 2,000 euros for specific actions.

Local government support uncertain

On the Bessèges side, the 5,000 euros the social center is counting on will wait for a new accounting entry. Christine Roux, mayor of Bessèges, explained that the commune has the will to include support for the social center in the SIVOM (intercommunal syndicate with multiple purposes). If it was not voted on in the SIVOM, the commune would pay the 5,000 euros directly.

Future plans and funding needs

David Macq reiterated his hope that each commune of Cèze Cévennes would contribute 2,000 euros to finish the year. He also hopes for the renewal of the CAF accreditation in early November. The social center's schedule is busy in the coming months. On 6 November, the departmental council session should validate part of the subsidies, and on the same day, the directors of the three structures—social center and social living spaces—must meet.

Collaboration and territorial projects

On 3 November, the new board will meet with elected officials from Cèze Cévennes, including Olivier Martin, its president. Martin mentioned that the audit, launched a year ago with the CAF, highlighted an imbalance in the offer on the territory. To sustain the three structures, a territorial project together is needed.

Future funding and collaboration

Martin also mentioned that with the CAF, in 2025, they had allocated an exceptional aid of 8,000 euros and emphasized the need to hold both ends until the writing of the territorial project. He questioned whether the intercommunal community could vote again for an exceptional aid, stating he was waiting for the round table and to assess the reality of the difficulties.

Focus on employees and future direction

Martin expressed a need for visibility on the concerns, focusing on the employees. He expressed a desire to see the social center and the two EVS spread across the entire territory, sustaining the structures by firmly establishing them on the territory. This Monday, the social center officials also met with the mayor of Molières-sur-Cèze, with whom the subject must have been discussed.

Future vision and collaboration

Two weeks ago, when the social center presented a survey on the needs of the territory and the priority axes it sets for the hypothetical year 2027, Catherine Fleury emphasized the need for the three boards of directors to agree on a common project. David Macq has given the main direction for 2027, drawing the conclusions of the survey: "turning towards youth and ecology." A vast program, waiting for financial support.