The ordinary September plenary session of the Town Council has unanimously approved adherence to the Territorial Pact for Industry in the Bages region 2026-2030. This pact includes an analysis of the region and proposes improvements in infrastructure, land, training, employment, innovation, competitiveness, and sustainability. It also foresees the creation of the Invest in Bages portal to make the region more attractive industrially and provide technical support to municipalities. Adherence involves an annual fee of 1,447.90 euros for four years. The opposition raised doubts about unifying the work line of the industrial parks, but the mayor, Enric Forcada, specified that the agreement does not limit independent work in the Artés park.
The commercial holidays for Artés in 2027 have also been unanimously approved: April 4th (Artés Fair Sunday) and September 7th (Festival Day Tuesday). June 27th from the general calendar of opening holidays will be replaced by October 3rd (Bages Harvest Festival Sunday). Additionally, a new management commission has been approved with the Barcelona Provincial Council for the maintenance and updating of the payroll and personnel management software, increasing security and including technical advice.
In the social sphere, the Agreement for Social Inclusion and Coexistence Services has been approved with the Consell Comarcal del Bages, regulating specialized social care services for immigration, reception, and the elderly. This agreement requires a municipal contribution of 4,340 euros and was approved with 10 votes in favor and one abstention. The Agreement for Basic Social Services and Equality Policies has also been approved, with a municipal contribution of 11,290 euros for a social worker and 8,219.56 euros for indirect support, approved with 10 votes in favor and one against.
The Council has initially approved the project for the improvement of roads and the adaptation of an emergency waste area in the industrial park, with a total budget of 142,061.38 euros. The project includes the adaptation of the bicycle lane sidewalk and the relocation of the emergency area next to the municipal waste collection point. This second action is a priority to increase the visibility and control of these services. The project will include video surveillance cameras, material renewal, and electronic access control. Funding is expected from Generalitat de Catalunya grants, although it may not cover the total cost. Industrial park entrepreneurs consider the action necessary due to daily illegal dumping.
During the Council session, economic data for the second quarter of 2026 and the budget for 2027 were presented. The decrees for the activation and deactivation of the Municipal Action Plan (PAM) following the July 24th fire were also reported. Finally, the motion of support for Correllengua 2026 was approved, coinciding with the initiative's 30th anniversary, advocating for the normalization of Catalan and including a financial contribution of 1,000 euros.
In the requests and questions section, issues were addressed regarding road works, leash regulations for dogs, lighting and maintenance of public spaces, urban furniture, signage, and the accident that damaged the new roundabout, the repair costs of which will be covered by insurance.
