Ciudad Juarez, Chih. March 12 – The mayor of Ciudad Juarez, Cruz Pérez Cuéllar, announced that the city council will continue to construct infrastructure works for the benefit of the inhabitants of this border city, “without contracting a single peso of debt, just as has been done until now.” During a press conference, he emphasized that these actions are being carried out even while paying off inherited debts, both for public works and various administrative issues, such as taxes owed to the Federation.
Record Public Works Despite Budget Constraints
Pérez Cuéllar highlighted the administration’s achievements, stating, “We have a record in public works, despite the municipal budget being 10 times smaller compared to that of the State, and yet, we have done more work, even more than any other administration, without acquiring a single peso of debt.” This demonstrates a strong commitment to financial responsibility and efficient resource management.
The mayor also mentioned that his administration has had to settle outstanding payments unrelated to the current period, such as taxes for the “Cerecito,” now known as the Municipal Center for Social Integration and Administrative Sanctions (Cemissa).
Addressing Inherited Tax Debts
Regarding tax debts from previous years, Pérez Cuéllar indicated that an official request has been sent to secure an agreement. If approved, this agreement would reduce a 116 million peso payment to only 25 percent of the total amount. “This agreement requires the approval of the state government; the federal government is already in agreement. I have also discussed it with the Secretary of Finance, who advised me to speak with the governor, but we have not yet had the opportunity to meet her,” explained the mayor.
He recalled that last year, approximately 100 million pesos in taxes had to be paid, an outstanding debt from previous administrations, seemingly due to incorrect payroll stamping and a flawed income tax declaration. “We have already corrected that, but unfortunately, as a municipality, we have to pay for the mistakes of other administrations,” he lamented.
Federal Government Investment in Ciudad Juarez
Pérez Cuéllar also shared news about the federal government’s plans to invest in various works and initiatives to benefit the border region. This information came after a meeting he held last Tuesday with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, which convened 61 mayors from across Mexico.
“They presented us with several programs that, honestly, it’s difficult to disclose everything at this moment. These are small works and actions that will be carried out this year, such as the ‘Mexico Imparable’ Community Center,” the mayor specified.
He added that his administration is working to ensure that this federal investment is directed towards Norponiente Park. With 150 million pesos already allocated to this space, the addition of federal funds could lead to a more significant development this year.
The mayor’s statements underscore a period of significant infrastructure development in Ciudad Juarez, characterized by fiscal prudence and strategic partnerships with the federal government, all aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents.
