It is not war but tension is high in recent months, between the priest of Saint-Gaudens (Haute-Garonne) and mayors of Comminges who accuse him of taxing the use of churches for concerts. Jacques Albenque, mayor of Labarthe-Inard, a village of 900 inhabitants, explains that Father Florent Marie Hounkponou claims 70 euros (20 euros in administrative fees and 50 euros in operation) at each concert organized in the church, once or twice a year.
"He tells me that it is for electricity, water, guarding while it is the town hall that assumes these costs and that I am the only one to have the key to the church," he says. We have an altarpiece listed in the parish that needed a renovation and that the municipality financed for 100,000 euros. Once I organized the concert in the village hall, but the locals do not understand why it does not take place in the church. »
Gas and electricity are paid by the town hall
The diocese of Toulouse explains that a 2006 state circular allows cultural activities in a church, with the agreement of the parish priest. "In the parish complex of Saint-Gaudens, about 300 concerts take place each year, which requires an organization that increases the task of the parish priest and his secretariat," says the diocese. For each concert, a handling fee of 20 euros is required (...). In the case of the parish of Labarthe-Inard, 20 euros in administrative fees were requested; The mayor did not wish to participate in the optional offering. In addition, gas and electricity being paid by the town hall, no request for participation in these costs was requested. »
The mayors in cold with Father Florent met the archbishop, without result. The mayor of Labarthe-Inard plans to make the parish priest of Saint-Gaudens pay half of the electricity costs.