São José and Itabira unveil new municipal finance measures in Brazil

The city of São José has expanded payment options for municipal taxes, allowing residents to settle obligations such as IPTU, ITBI and other fees with credit cards in up to 12 installments. Payments can be made at the citizen service center or online through the municipal portal, complementing existing boleto and Pix methods. Secretary of Revenue Jamir Pimenta said the option gives taxpayers more flexibility and can speed up processes like property registration.

In Itabira, the municipal debt portfolio has surpassed R$1 billion, with roughly 40% linked to mining company Vale. Former finance secretary Julio Contador presented a proposal to create a municipal debt‑securitization program, which would sell portions of the debt at a discount to obtain upfront cash for infrastructure, health, education and other public services. The plan seeks to improve the city’s cash flow and reduce the backlog of unpaid taxes and fines.