Puerto Vallarta municipal fiscal and administrative disputes

Political and fiscal tensions have escalated within the Puerto Vallarta municipal government. Initially, at least 12 of the 16 city council members announced a boycott of an extraordinary session called by Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González. The council members, representing the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico and Movimiento Ciudadano, argued that the 2027 Revenue Law required deliberation during an ordinary session and criticized the administration for failing to provide necessary technical documentation regarding proposed increases in property taxes and water rates.

Following this dispute over the fiscal package, Councilwoman Melissa Madero raised further concerns regarding municipal spending. She denounced an unauthorized expansion of the municipal payroll, reporting that 3,375 active employees currently hold positions despite only 2,707 being approved for 2026. Madero highlighted a significant imbalance, noting that while the Mayor’s administration reportedly holds 117 positions despite only 18 being authorized, essential services like Public Security and Parks and Gardens are facing staff shortages.

Adding to the administrative scrutiny, an audit by the Auditoría Superior del Estado de Jalisco (ASEJ) has identified a discrepancy of over 75 million pesos in the 2024 public accounts of the Puerto Vallarta City Council. The investigation specifically flagged 5.5 million pesos within the Social Communication department, managed by Alfonso Pérez Miramontes. While the ASEJ confirmed that advertising and media services were performed, the audit found a “lack of supporting documentation and evidence for the payments.” The disappearance of files has reportedly implicated more than a dozen regional media outlets and advertising agencies.