Description

The Participatory Budget cycle consisting of five phases takes place: first, evaluation and preparation; second, the collection of proposals; Third, the technical analysis of the proposals; fourth vote; Fifth and finally, the public presentation.

1.       Evaluation and Preparation

The definition of the strategy for the preparation of the first phase with the support of the Association In Loco, with regard to training of mayors and moderators, as well as to answer questions that arose during the process. Identifying best practices guided the dynamics of this beginning of the process. However, the identification of good practices, by itself, does not automatically generate a good design. In fact, it became clear that not all actors in the triangle of municipal democracy must participate. Take the case of the union of the Carregado and Cadafais parishes, who abstained from participating in the participatory budget.

The overall budget of 300,000 euros spread across the eligible proposals for up to € 60,000 may indicate a path so there is a commitment that the winning projects are included in the budget implementation in 2015.

2.       The collections of proposals

It was conducted between April and June and we can say that was crucial in the whole process. The reason is contemplating the launch of the participatory budget, public participation through the Internet sessions and public participation.

3.       Technical analysis of proposals

It was conducted between June and September and essentially covers the preparation and execution of technical analysis, which continued beyond that limit, which culminated in the adoption of the list of projects to vote on October 15. The preparation of technical analysis began in the beginning of the project with a team meeting constitution and the collection of contributions to the preparation of the technical summary sheet of the proposals.

The technical analysis team (EAT) divided by functional areas proposals received after verifying that the proposals lacked confrontation with their defense. Proactive attitude and dialogue marked this step, and always guided by seeking the best solutions to the proposals under consideration.

It was held at least one meeting with proponents of each proposal, realizing the progress and path analysis by asking for some clarifications, given the need to specify the proposal to study new solutions for its intended purpose, to give explanations or consents.

Of the 51 examined proposals 31 passed to vote and 20 were rejected.

According to the Regulation, the only reasons for the rejection were non-compliance of tenders.

4.       Voting

It was conducted between October 15 and November 15, favoring the online procedure, to use a single channel of participation, affordable, simple and convenient. Each participant had two votes, one vote to be assigned to a different project and / parish.

However, in order to reach the whole municipality, we have developed a strategy of voting in parallel with the online platform, the face vote: at the town hall, in the library of Alenquer or in the van of Participatory Budgeting in a route includes 31 different locations in 11 parishes in the county.

31 proposals were put to the vote, declaring seven winning projects for a total of 2307 voters, with 4614 votes cast, representing 5.3% of the total population.

5.       Public presentation

Disclosure of the winning proposals through the online platform and public ceremony presentation of results on November 21, 2014.

The seven winners, and all participants of this project were honored at the ceremony were invited Luisa Magalhães, Ponta Delgada councilor responsible for the participatory budget, and Nelson Diaz, president of the Association In Loco.