Mayors warn of shrinking budgets while regional president rejects new tax levy

During an assembly in Treviso, mayors from across Veneto warned that municipal budgets are running dry, especially after the cessation of marked PNRR funding, and highlighted the growing pressure of social expenditures. Mario Conte, mayor of Treviso and ANCI president, stressed that none of the 559 municipalities are currently in financial distress, framing this as a sign of sound administration. The discussion also covered the impact of higher energy costs on local services.

Regional President Alberto Stefani, describing himself as a "mayor at heart," firmly rejected any move to re-introduce an additional regional income tax, arguing that the regional administration must first streamline its own spending. Roberto Toigo, secretary of the UIL, cited a study indicating that local taxes such as IMU, TARI, water fees and nursery costs already represent a heavy load for households. He reaffirmed the union's opposition to the proposed tax increase. The mayors concluded that while 2027 may remain manageable, the following years could bring even tighter fiscal constraints.