The Mayor, José María García Urbano, highlights that the 2026 city budget marks a significant milestone by being the first in 15 years without the need to allocate funds for past debts. The Estepona City Council has announced that the new Municipal Budget, totaling 132 million euros, has come into effect on January 1. This budget includes a substantial reduction in the Real Estate Tax (IBI) for the second year in a row, with an average decrease of 20% for registered households in the city. Just like in 2025, residents will see a decrease in their IBI payments this year as well. Mayor José María García Urbano emphasizes that this year’s budget will be remembered for eliminating past debts and allowing for the largest ever reduction in Real Estate Tax (IBI) in the city. A total of 6,624,365.11 euros, accounting for 5% of the city’s total expenditure budget, has been allocated to reduce taxes for around 38,000 households. The City Council is also entering the new financial year with a strong financial position and a record budget for productive investments totaling 27,771,112.48 euros, representing 20.93% of the total budget. Several major projects are already underway and funded in the 2026 budget, including the Central Park Boulevard, completion of a subway parking facility, asphalt paving plan, cycling tracks, neighborhood infrastructure plan, security camera installations, coastal path completion, and new public parks and children’s facilities. The mayor reaffirms the government’s commitment to ensuring residents benefit from the elimination of past debts, totaling 304 million euros. ‘We believe that money should stay in the pockets of our residents to support and stimulate the local economy, which is why we are implementing the largest tax cut in Estepona’s history in 2026,’ stated the mayor.