Deià uncovers accounting irregularities and will have to return subsidies

The mayor of Deià, Joan Ripoll DeyaThe former mayor of Deià has sent a letter to residents acknowledging a state of economic and administrative disarray at the Town Hall, stemming from irregularities accumulated over years and a lack of stability in municipal technical positions. The Council admits that accounting controls have been severely compromised and that it will be necessary to return money from poorly justified subsidies. In the letter, the mayor explains that for a long period the Town Hall has not had a permanent municipal secretary and that the position has been filled by temporary staff who have been replaced several times. This lack of continuity, he asserts, has led to a loss of administrative control and a delay of "almost three years" in the municipal accounts. The situation began to come to light following the arrival, a few months ago, of a qualified secretary, which has allowed for an internal review of the Town Hall's financial status. Lluís ApesteguiaHe also expressed his support for the current governing team and the internal review initiated by the City Council. Apesteguia stated that he gives "total and absolute" support to the mayor in his decision to review all economic and administrative procedures and assured that he fully shares the diagnosis presented in the letter to residents: "I agree with him in everything he says." In the letter, Ripoll details that in September, "alleged irregularities in the payroll of the former municipal secretary" were detected. From there, the review of files has confirmed that the local administration is in a "serious situation from both an economic and administrative point of view," with contracting procedures that have not followed "their corresponding procedures." Another of the structural problems that the mayor points out is the high rate of temporary employment among the municipal staff. Despite the stabilization processes initiated, a significant portion of the staff remains temporary, which, according to the City Council, hinders professionalization and continuity in daily management. The review has also uncovered deficiencies in the justification of various subsidies, a circumstance that will force the City Council to return part of the funds received. This situation, the mayor warns, will force the council to prioritize spending and prepare tight budgets in the coming years to guarantee economic balance. Comprehensive regularization plan

Faced with this situation, the Deià Town Council has activated a comprehensive regularization plan that includes the complete normalization of accounting, the submission of all outstanding general accounts, a review of contracting procedures, the strengthening of internal control and transparency mechanisms, and the monitoring of affected grant applications. The Council also announces a "responsible" budget planning process for 2026 and future fiscal years. The mayor concludes the letter by assuring that the governing team is acting with "responsibility, rigor, and commitment" and acknowledges the impact these incidents may have on the municipality. Ripoll pledges to continue informing residents as work progresses to restore the institution's economic and administrative stability.