The Town Council of Toro has taken significant steps towards enhancing community support and cultural recognition by approving the Strategic Subsidy Plan for the period 2025-2027. This initiative aims to bolster the budget allocated for social action and cultural traditions, reflecting the local government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the town's heritage.
During a recent plenary session, the council unanimously approved the plan, which includes an increase of 8,000 euros in the social action budget, raising it from 5,000 to 13,000 euros. This funding is primarily directed towards promoting emblematic traditions, such as the Semana Santa, which is seeking recognition as a National Festival of Tourist Interest. Maria Velasco, the councilor responsible for the initiative, highlighted that this increase will also benefit the Junta Pro-Semana Santa, which will see its subsidy rise from 5,500 to 8,000 euros. Additionally, the cofradía of Jesús Nazareno y Ánimas de la Campanilla will receive 8,000 euros to support its activities.
In a move to further encourage community engagement, the council has also increased funding for associationism and citizen participation. This includes support for the newly established Asociación Etnográfica Toro, as well as doubling the financial assistance for the Club Ciclista Toresano and the Fútbol Sala Ciudad de Toro. Velasco emphasized that the subsidy plan is a guiding document, stating, "It is an indicative document because what determines the amount of the subsidies is Chapter 4 of the budget."
Another key decision made during the plenary meeting was the approval of a long-term agreement with the Fundación González Allende. This agreement allows for the permanent exhibition of various assets from the foundation in the church of La Concepción for a period of 25 years, which can be extended. The decision received support from the government councilors and María de la Calle, representing Zamora Sí. However, the Popular Party councilors abstained, arguing for a modification of the agreement to limit its duration to four years to comply with legal standards. The mayor, Ángeles Medina, countered that there are no restrictions on the duration of the agreement since it is a gratuitous contract.
The plenary also addressed the annual rectification of the inventory of assets and rights, which revealed that as of December 31, 2024, the total municipal patrimony amounted to 109,710,512.86 euros, reflecting an increase of 27,330.38 euros. Maria de la Calle pointed out that there is a "pending assignment" regarding the inventory, noting the importance of accurately representing the municipality's assets.
In addition to the subsidy plan, the council approved three bonuses of 95% on the tax for the increase in value of urban land in cases of inheritance. These bonuses apply to homes located on streets such as Cortes de Toro, San Isidro, and Plaza de la Colegiata. The council also rejected a repossession appeal from Marcelina Fortuoso, whose request for a bonus was denied due to its submission being outside the six-month legal term following the death of the deceased.
One of the more contentious issues discussed was the modification of fiscal ordinance number 24 of the IAE, which repeals article 9 and eliminates the location coefficient that previously benefited businesses located outside the urban area. The government defended this move as a necessary simplification of a regulation that had not been applied correctly due to outdated street maps. However, Rafael González, the spokesperson for the Popular Party, criticized the decision, claiming it unfairly burdens 95% of the town's businesses, particularly wineries and enterprises on rural land or in industrial zones lacking municipal services. He also called for the return of improperly collected revenue from the years 2023, 2024, and 2025, citing administrative errors. In response, Medina stated that the coefficient had never been effectively applied and assured that all businesses receive the services they pay for, including waste collection.
The council's approval of the Strategic Subsidy Plan is seen as a pivotal step towards fostering community spirit and preserving Toro’s cultural identity. With the increased funding aimed at supporting local traditions and community initiatives, the government hopes to enhance public participation and promote the town's rich heritage.
As the council moves forward with these plans, the community remains hopeful that these initiatives will not only strengthen local traditions but also provide a framework for future growth and recognition of Toro as a vibrant cultural hub.
