According to the latest ranking by the Comptroller General’s Office, Belén not only missed the top spot they have held for five consecutive years, but fell to fifth place.

The mayor of Belén, Horacio Alvarado justified his ranking by saying: “What is affecting us is that we budgeted ¢5,000 million this year but got only ¢4,000 million due to the free zone area (which exempts some companies from payments).”

Meanwhile, Gerardo Oviedo, Mayor of Santa Ana, said they benefited from the change in methodology applied by the Comptroller to compile the rankings. “To maintain this we must measure the impact of our investments in the social as well as the internal control that is a thorn in the side of all local governments,” he said.

For this sixth report, which assessed the year 2010, the comptroller reviewed other indicators, not just financial management. For example, planning, citizen participation and accountability were taken into account as well as developing environmental management (includes garbage collection and recycling), management of economic services and social services.

Tibás was the city with the greatest increase climbing 48 rungs from 84 to 36. According to Mayor Gonzalo Vargas, this increase was because the current council is working together harmoniously.

The Municipality of Alajuela is also celebrating a return from position 48 to 10. Roberto Thompson, Mayor of Alajuela, recognized the aldermen saying: “Although the council is composed of six political parties, we have one vision and the vast majority of agreements are taken by unanimity.”

Other municipalities with major improvements were San Rafael (up by 46), San Ramon, Alajuelita and Coto Brus (41), Naranjo and Guácimo (39), Lemon (37) Goicoechea and Moravia (36).

Meanwhile, Nandayure in Guanacaste, had the biggest fall, dropping 47 places. Mayor, Carlos Arias Chaves could not be reached for comment and 20 municipalities or municipal district councils failed to complete the required information.

Most of us prefer living in a home that is clean, secure and managed well.

We try to make sure that our own home is well maintained and we are not throwing our money away by unnecessarily spending too much on utilities and, surely the same thinking should apply to the overall geographical area in which we live.

The area should be well cared for, the trash should be collected and the inhabitants – your neighbors – should be paying the taxes that they are obliged to pay.

Lastly, when you are in the market to sell your home, it will help tremendously when you when you can say that you live in an area that is located in one of the best managed municipalities in Costa Rica where real estate prices will more than likely appreciate much more than a municipality that is not well managed.

Written by Scott Oliver, author of 1. Costa Rica Real Estate Scams & How To Avoid Them, 2. How To Buy Costa Rica Real Estate Without Losing Your Camisa, 3. Costa Rica’s Guide To Making Money Offshore and the Director/Producer of the Costa Rica Living & Retirement – Secrets To Happiness DVDs.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.