MARIGOT, Saint-Martin:--- The Territorial Council of Saint-Martin will meet in plenary session on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in the Council’s deliberation chamber to examine a wide-ranging agenda dominated by public finances, tax reform, land acquisitions and legal protection for four vice-presidents.
Deliberation 12, concerning a partnership agreement between the Collectivité of Saint-Martin and SEMSAMAR on social-inclusion clauses in public procurement contracts, has been postponed.
Before considering the remaining deliberations, the Territorial Council will receive information concerning 11 prefectural orders issued in December 2025 and June 2026. The orders concern mandatory expenditures charged against the Collectivité’s budget under Article LO 6362-17 of the General Code of Territorial Collectivities.
The financial portion of the meeting will begin with the proposed allocation of the Collectivité’s 2025 financial result.
The Council will then examine the proposed write-off of irrecoverable debts and the corresponding reversal of provisions previously established against those debts. Members will also deliberate on provisions for doubtful receivables for the 2026 financial year.
Further debate is expected on the framework for program authorizations and the revision or adjustment of payment appropriations for 2026. The Council will also consider clearing expenses recorded under accounts 4817, 4818 and 486, including correcting accounting errors from previous financial years.
Another item concerns the Collectivité’s financial contribution to the 2026 budget of the Territorial Fire and Rescue Service, STIS 978.
Supplementary Budget and Tax Reform
One of the meeting’s most important items will be the vote on the Collectivité’s 2026 supplementary budget.
The supplementary budget allows the Collectivité to adjust its original 2026 budget based on updated revenue, expenditure, and financial information. Elected officials will be expected to examine whether the proposed adjustments adequately address the territory’s financial obligations and investment priorities.
The Council will also debate adopting a framework for tax reform and establishing an ad hoc commission to oversee and advance that process.
Sandy Ground Land Acquisition
Elected officials will be asked to authorize the Public Land Establishment Terres Caraïbes to acquire parcels AC 371 and BM 545 in Sandy Ground on behalf of the Collectivité.
The properties are intended for the development of public facilities, specifically parking and a cultural center for Sandy Ground.
The Council will also consider approving two related agreements between the Collectivité and Terres Caraïbes governing the acquisition and land-holding arrangement.
Beauperthuy Parcels Return to the Agenda
The proposed acquisition and holding of parcels from the Beauperthuy estates by Terres Caraïbes will also return to the Territorial Council for debate.
Under the proposed arrangement, Terres Caraïbes would acquire and temporarily hold the properties on behalf of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin.
The matter forms part of the Collectivité’s wider plan to secure strategic land for future public development. However, the arrangement is expected to generate questions about the financial obligations placed on the Collectivité, the length of the holding period and the specific plans for the properties.
CESC Expenses and SEMSAMAR Allowances
The Council will consider covering the travel, accommodation and meal expenses incurred by members of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of Saint-Martin while performing their official duties.
Elected officials will also debate regularising allowances paid to representatives of the Collectivité who serve on SEMSAMAR’s Board of Directors.
That proposal also calls for the repeal of a June 14, 2023, deliberation that modified the May 30, 2022, decision authorizing representatives of the Collectivité on SEMSAMAR’s board to receive compensation for attending the company’s commissions and committees.
The proposed partnership agreement between the Collectivité and SEMSAMAR regarding social-inclusion clauses in public procurement, originally listed as Deliberation 12, will not be debated during Thursday’s meeting because it has been postponed.
Legal Protection for Four Vice-Presidents
The final four deliberations concern requests to grant functional protection to four vice-presidents of the Territorial Council:
- Alain Richardson
- Bernadette Davis
- Dominique Démocrite Louisy
- Michel Petit
Functional protection, under Article LO 6325-8 of the General Code of Territorial Collectivities, allows public officials to receive legal protection and assistance in matters connected to the performance of their official duties.
The agenda does not specify the legal matters for which the four vice-presidents are seeking protection.
The plenary session will conclude with oral questions from members of the Territorial Council.