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Faced with an increase in expenditure, small municipalities are delighted to be able to share their costs, and thus limit the effects of inflation and the decline in grants. Illustration in Saône-et-Loire.
Alexandre Lefevre is a municipal agent for three municipalities. Since last winter, the 30-year-old has been working for the villages of Collonge-en-Charollais, Mary and Saint-Micaud (Saône-et-Loire), one day per town. Mowing, clearing or maintaining the flowers, he works 35 hours a week. Its services are greatly appreciated by the community. Pooling communal staff is a win-win system for the village of 150 inhabitants.
“As we pool costs, charges, etc., we can afford to have it ten hours a week”, rejoices Sophie Duperrier, municipal councilor. Municipalities have opted for this formula for 30 years. They now want to go further. “From the beginning of the year, January, they will try to pool a vehicle for the three municipalities”, explains Alexandre Lefevre. In Mary (Saône-et-Loire), the mayor also sees only advantages to this experience. In 2023, the three mayors will together hire a town clerk to ensure replacements.