Alès: the Court of Auditors urges the town on the finances of the slaughterhouse

Since 2012, the economic situation of the slaughterhouse has been particularly monitored by the CRC. Against all odds, and despite a growing deficit (around € 6 million to date), Max Roustan has always tinkered with solutions to ensure the survival of the public establishment. The magistrates have sounded the alarm on several occasions. Today, they are more pressing and evoke the possibility of closing the slaughterhouse. They note: “The financial support of the budget, although irremediably compromised, has been insincerely maintained. The municipality of Alès must consider the closure of the control.” The CRC demands the sincere presentation of the accounts which must “reveal the lack of viability of the management” . It is no longer possible to transfer deficit results to the municipality’s main budget. Max Roustan did not wait for the final observations of the chamber to find new solutions. A new semi-public company was created in order to identify a private partner. It is supported by a local public company which will take charge of the investments for the modernization and the upgrading of the installations. The capital of the company has been opened to breeders, butchers and to all those involved in this field of activity who have purchased shares. The mayor has decided to invest again in the tool, on condition that it obtains subsidies to the tune of 40% of the total budget. The Region, the State and even the Department were approached. Without support, Max Roustan warns in his response to the regional chamber of accounts: “In case of refusal, the City will implement the final closure of the site.” It delays however: “If the co-financing agreement is obtained before November 2021, the City will appoint its delegatee before December 31, for the start of operation of the new company. ‘mixed economy as of January 1, 2022. “ Clearly, the ball is now in the authorities’ court.