Gallarate: Cassani's 2026 budget approved, debt dispute

Context

In brief

• 2026 budget approved in Gallarate with 14 favorable votes
• Total revenues of approximately 92 million euros
• Final cash balance exceeding 16 million

Key facts

• What: 2026 municipal budget
• When: 2026
• Where: Gallarate
• Who: Cassani Administration
• Amount: 92 million euros in revenues
• Amount: 16 million cash balance
• Amount: 1.8 million administration result
• Amount: 11 thousand euros available surplus
• Amount: 12 million investments in the territory
• Amount: 24% social spending

The tenth budget of the Cassani era in Gallarate was approved with 14 favorable votes and 7 against. The report, presented by the Budget Councillor Corrado Canziani, highlighted total revenues of approximately 92 million euros and a final cash balance exceeding 16 million. The administration result stands at 1.8 million, but the effectively available surplus reduces to approximately 11 thousand euros after the provisions required by law.

The majority, composed of Lega, Fratelli d'Italia, Lista Civica Cassani, and Centro Popolare, defended the report, describing it as in continuity with previous years and coherent with the administrative program. Among the points claimed, the weight of social spending, which exceeds 24% including the local plan, and investments in the territory, amounting to over 12 million euros. It was also emphasized the respect of legal parameters regarding personnel and indebtedness.

Mayor Andrea Cassani claimed the administration's ability to intercept external resources: 'We have brought approximately 50 million euros in funds from tenders to Gallarate, certainly requiring co-participation. This is the case, for example, of Palazzo Minoletti and the school of Madonna in Campagna.' On the topic of indebtedness, the mayor defended the choices made: 'If it has grown, it is also because we have invested in energy efficiency, interventions that will bring savings in the coming years.'

Analysis of expenses and investments

The 2026 budget of Gallarate saw particular attention to investments in the territory, with over 12 million euros allocated to infrastructural and energy efficiency projects. According to the administration, these investments will bring significant savings in the coming years, thus justifying the increase in indebtedness. Social spending, which exceeds 24% of the budget, includes the local plan and represents a priority for the municipal administration.

Opposition reactions

The opposition, composed of Partito Democratico, Obiettivo Comune Gallarate, Più Gallarate, and Città è Vita, expressed a vote against, focusing criticism mainly on the increase in indebtedness. Margherita Silvestrini (Pd) spoke of an 'exorbitant increase' in indebtedness: 'In 2025, debt triples compared to 2024, which had already doubled compared to 2023. This affects current spending for years: we are subtracting resources from services and mortgaging the future capabilities of the municipality.' The councilor also recalled the costs of the swimming pool, 'which do not appear in the overall picture.'

Cesare Coppe (Città è Vita) highlighted the shift from approximately 13 million in indebtedness in 2023 to the current 23 million: 'Ten million more that weigh approximately 2 million per year. This means having to reduce current spending.' The minorities also criticized what they define as a lack of strategic vision, linked to the lack of margin.

Operational details

• ### Implications for citizens and services

The increase in debt is a significant concern for the opposition, which fears a negative impact on municipal services. According to the minorities, the increase in debt could lead to a reduction in current spending, compromising the quality of services offered to citizens. In particular, the lack of transparency regarding the costs of the swimming pool has raised criticism, with the opposition calling for greater clarity on how such expenses have been managed and financed.

• ### Comparison with previous years

The 2026 budget represents a point of continuity with previous years, as emphasized by the majority. However, the increase in debt has raised concerns among opposition councilors, who see this choice as a risk to the financial stability of the municipality. The majority, on the other hand, defends the choices made, highlighting investments in energy efficiency and infrastructure that, according to them, will bring long-term benefits.

• ### Future scenarios

While the majority sees the 2026 budget as an opportunity to improve the city's infrastructure and services, the opposition fears that the increase in debt could lead to an unsustainable financial situation. The administration's ability to intercept external resources, such as the 50 million euros from grants, represents a strength, but also a challenge, as such funds require financial participation from the municipality.

• ### Detailed analysis of investments

Investments in the territory, amounting to over 12 million euros, include energy efficiency and public infrastructure projects. These investments have been defended by the administration as necessary to ensure long-term savings and improve the quality of services offered to citizens. However, the opposition criticizes the lack of a strategic vision and cost management, particularly regarding the swimming pool, which was not included in the overall budget framework.

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Key points

What citizens can do

For the citizens of Gallarate, it is important to closely monitor the decisions of the Municipality regarding the management of the budget and investments. In particular, it is crucial to participate in public consultations and municipal assemblies to express their concerns and suggestions. Additionally, citizens can request greater transparency on costs and projects funded by the Municipality, especially regarding expenses not included in the overall budget framework.

Procedure to request information

1. Attend municipal assemblies: Citizens can attend municipal assemblies to express their opinions and request clarifications on projects funded by the Municipality. 2. Request documentation: It is possible to request detailed documentation on projects and costs through the Municipality's website or by visiting the municipal offices. 3. Contact councilors: Citizens can contact municipal councilors to express their concerns and request more information on ongoing projects.

Useful tools

To delve into the financial situation of the Municipality of Gallarate, citizens can use the tax calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool allows calculating the taxes and contributions due, providing a clear overview of the personal and municipal financial situation.

Conclusions

The 2026 budget of Gallarate represents a crucial moment for the city, with significant investments but also concerns regarding indebtedness. It is essential that citizens are informed and actively participate in municipal life to ensure transparent and sustainable management of public resources. By using the available tools and participating in municipal assemblies, citizens can contribute to shaping the future of their city.

Source: varesenews.it