San Miguelito: Municipal Council President to Request Budget Review After Cut Announcement

San Miguelito's Mayor Irma Hernández has implemented budget cuts for the district's local councils, a move that has met with strong opposition from some representatives. Council President Juan Barsallo is demanding a review of the budget, arguing that the mayor's decisions overstep her authority.

Barsallo acknowledged the municipality's financial crisis but asserted that council members are aware of the economic situation. He pointed to a moratorium, still in effect, which has reportedly generated around $200,000 in revenue. The approved budget, passed on December 23, 2025, allocated $28,000 to each local council for operational expenses. While admitting these funds are insufficient, Barsallo stated that the councils strive to meet their responsibilities.

He cited constitutional articles regarding the Municipal Council's budgetary powers and the mayor's authority over municipal budget execution. Barsallo noted that since 2024, local councils have faced spending constraints, with their budgets reduced from $32,500 to receiving only up to $2,000 in income. He explained that recent communications from the Mayor's office have come via decrees, including one that initially capped vacant positions at $8,000 for both the Mayor's office and local councils, a restriction later removed for the councils.

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From 2024 we have had spending containment in the local councils because our budget was $32,500 and we have received income of up to $2,000.

Barsallo argued that the new amounts set by the mayor are not included in the approved budget and therefore cannot be altered by decrees, which he believes are subordinate to municipal agreements and law. "We cannot accept something that is not budgeted, that is not contemplated, and that is not based on this agreement," he stated.

The Council President emphasized the need for a thorough budget review to identify uncollected taxes and to audit the use of the $200,000 raised through the moratorium. He also defended the staffing levels in local councils, arguing that these governments require more personnel and resources to address community needs. Barsallo suggested that councils facing greater deficiencies should receive higher budget allocations. He concluded by stating that the national government must increase investments in the district.

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We cannot accept something that is not budgeted, that is not contemplated, and that is not based on this agreement.