The Communal Council, the decision-making body of the municipality, addressed several important topics this October, with a particular focus on citizen initiatives. Three main points captured attention: youth and security, living environment and cleanliness, and public finances.
Regarding youth and security, the Fan Coaching unit has been maintained and reorganized following concerns from supporters. A citizen delegation, backed by nearly 2,000 signatures, emphasized its essential role in neighborhoods beyond match days, including socio-cultural work with young people, street mediation, and delinquency prevention. The employment of agents is guaranteed, and a new cost-sharing arrangement with Sporting Charleroi is planned, with the City now focusing on prevention outside the stadium.
In the area of living environment and cleanliness in Mont-sur-Marchienne, a citizen collective of 'Cleanliness Ambassadors' addressed the Council due to an increase in incivilities. The Alderman for Cleanliness, Éric Goffard, praised this commitment and detailed the City's support, including providing information materials via the BeWaPP program, field coordination with enforcement officers, and continued checks on obstructive parking.
Finally, on the financial front, the Council debated the exemplary role of public officials. The Communal College clarified that salary indexation is governed by the Walloon Region's Code of Local Democracy and Decentralization. Exemplary measures are already in place, such as a 15% reduction in cabinet expenses and the complete elimination of representation costs for the College. The issue of fair compensation by the Walloon Region for the centrality costs borne by Charleroi was also raised.
