Will the 630 inhabitants of Méry-la-Bataille (Oise) still be able to buy fresh bread and pastries in the only bakery in the village? Everything should be decided in the coming weeks. After a petition signed by more than 14,000 people, leaflets distributed on both sides in mailboxes and heated exchanges, the discussion seems to have resumed between the baker and the municipality.
"Things have calmed down so to speak," Mathieu Idée sums up over the phone. On June 22, the craftsman must now provide them with a "counter-proposal" of rent, "developed with my accountant". "After that, it's up to them to decide, but they seem open to finding a solution," he says.
" READ ALSO His rent multiplied by two by the town hall, this baker of the Oise decides to close shop
In May, Mathieu Idée and his partner had announced their departure after discovering that the elected officials had decided to increase the rent for the rental-management of the bakery - which also includes housing - from 674.45 euros to... EUR 1 200.
"Such an increase, I can't stand it. The village will not expand, there are no new businesses arriving. The rent is increasing, but my turnover will remain the same, "he explained to the Parisian.
For its part, the municipality recalled that their "intention" was not to put "bakers at the door", but that these prices were evaluated "by a notary", "to be closer to the reality of the market". "We really did not expect a letter of resignation three days later," says Laëtitia Bocquillet, first assistant.
A 5% effort rate in bakery
During a meeting held on Monday, Mathieu Idée was able to make his point of view. No, he is not opposed to a possible increase in the rent, but it cannot exceed 5% of his turnover, of 150,000 euros annually.
A percentage that corresponds to the effort rate (ratio between rent and maximum turnover), "recommended in bakery", he recalls. "The meeting was a big revival for everyone," says the mayor of the village, Isabelle Da Silva-Graczyk. Now it's about moving forward. "Hemust provide us with documents to tell us how much he would be willing to put to support the rent, to the maximum," says the elected official. "We are waiting for the figures, but the dialogue is on," concludes Laëtitia Bocquillet.