Coatepec budget allocates 3.3 million pesos for unspecified benefits

The 2026 Expenditure Budget for Coatepec includes a controversial 3.3 million peso allocation categorized under ‘Other Social and Economic Benefits’ for the ten members of the local council. This amount is part of a total gross annual budget of 11,430,600.12 pesos designated for the municipal president, the syndic, and eight councilors.

According to the budget breakdown, the mayor, Jorge Ignacio Luna Hernández, is allocated 500,000 pesos from this specific category, while the syndic, Stephanie Platas, is allocated 400,000 pesos, and each of the eight councilors is allocated 300,000 pesos.

When combined with personal services, vacation premiums, and year-end bonuses, the total budgeted gross annual income for the mayor reaches 1,484,369.24 pesos, the syndic reaches 1,283,366.24 pesos, and each councilor reaches 1,082,858.08 pesos. Critics have noted that the term ‘Other Social and Economic Benefits’ is too vague to allow citizens to identify the specific destination of these funds.