**Protests Over Iberparking and Trash Collection Fees in Tecate’s Income Law**
A large group of protesters gathered at the State Congress on Tuesday, December 3rd to voice their opposition to the continued concession granted to Iberparking by the Tecate City Council. The demonstrations also included objections to the proposed monthly fee for trash collection, which would average 50 pesos per citizen in the town known as the “Magic Town,” stirring discontent among the population.
The protest saw strong political statements against Mayor Román Cota Muñoz, which came from various political party representatives. That same day, Cota Muñoz presented his 2025 Income Law proposal to the mostly allied legislators, proposing various tax increases that sparked heated discussions.
PAN deputy Diego Echevarría expressed criticism of the proposed new trash collection fee and questioned the prior arrangements with Iberparking, a company with a concession of 580 parking spaces in downtown Tecate since the administration of former Mayor Darío Benítez. In a surprising twist, legislators from Morena voiced opposition to these measures, highlighting that they diverge from the ideals of a leftist government. Deputy Jaime Cantón suggested that taxes should target those accumulating wealth, rather than regular citizens.
The topics incited sharp criticism toward Cota Muñoz, who attempted to justify the fee as part of an initiative to enhance recycling and strengthen waste collection. However, his justifications failed to convince either legislators or demonstrators. During the session, a multitude of citizens interrupted with shouts and banners censuring the mayor over his proposals, underscoring public dissatisfaction with his administration’s decisions.
**Trash Fee to Stand Despite Protests and Legislative Pushback**
Despite public protests and pushback from various legislators, Tecate Mayor Román Cota Muñoz intends to maintain the 65 pesos fee per household for trash collection in the 2025 Income Law, moving from a differential rate system to a unified fee. Failure to pay this fee would result in a tax credit; however, residents participating in recycling by contributing 10 kilograms of waste would be exempt.
“If we get citizens to engage in recycling, the savings could exceed the revenue expected from the proposed fee,” said Cota Muñoz. He assured that the intention was neither to outsource nor privatize the service, but to strengthen municipal capabilities directly. However, he acknowledged that resolving trash collection issues through this fee alone is insufficient, given the closure of the current landfill. He suggested that the state government might develop a metropolitan landfill to serve Tecate, Rosarito, and Tijuana.
Legislators across parties, including Morena, questioned the creation of a new municipal entity for waste collection and the increased budget for the municipal presidency. In response, Cota Muñoz emphasized that no additional staffing would be necessary in the new entity, with all personnel coming from the existing waste collections department. He stated a reduction in departmental spending from 52 million pesos in 2024 to 29 million pesos in 2025 due to administrative improvements.
Cota Muñoz revealed that the city had to acquire a short-term loan of 54 million pesos to cover payroll, bonuses, and year-end unionized worker benefits. Although city funds stand at 115 million pesos for the final trimester, approximately 190 million pesos are required to meet obligations.
**Additional Context**
In neighboring Ensenada, the City Council appointed Alejandro Monreal as the new Director of Security on December 3, 2024. Meanwhile, in Tijuana, Citlalli Hernández led a crime prevention brigade, and six officials from the XXV City Council tested positive in drug tests. The Hotel Remy in Tijuana was raided and secured as part of ongoing operations, and an alarming incident saw up to 30 shots fired at Minister Gabriel Valenzuela.
These occurrences underscore the active political and social environment across Baja California, highlighting significant governance and public safety challenges.