During the commemoration of the 167th anniversary of the creation of the district of Soná, in the province of Veraguas, Mayor John Hidalgo referred to the low collection they have in municipal taxes and the problems that this has generated within the mayor’s office.
Hidalgo pointed out that the mayor’s office of Soná is one of those that is not subsidized by the state and therefore the costs of payroll and operation of the entity are covered with income from tax collection.
He pointed out that they have presented a project to the executive so that the Sonaeña mayor’s office is subsidized and in this way the payroll can be paid.
“The truth is that we have asked the president, we have even given the vice president a draft so that the municipality of Soná is taken into account for the subsidy, at least in terms of the payroll, since there are fortnights that officials don’t collect their payroll on time,” he said.
He pointed out that this problem of low tax collection is longstanding, since since 2016 income has decreased and more so in the two years of the pandemic when many companies closed.
He stressed that currently the expenses of the municipality exceed the collection of taxes and that they have implemented auxiliary treasurers who go to the companies to try that the businesses do not fall behind with their payments, but there are still difficulties.
“We have also made payment arrangements to help the taxpayer, giving them that hand so as not to hit them and prevent them from closing their doors,” he said, reiterating that they need this support from the State since the municipality’s operating expenses have skyrocketed.
Regarding the anniversary celebration, Hidalgo stated that on Sunday, September 11, a meeting of independent bands was held, the traditional parade, and on Monday morning there were folkloric performances at the mayor’s office and a parade of school bands.
