Roger Thiberville, who passed away at 91, left behind substantial assets, including four valued Parisian apartments, resulting in over €10 million for the small commune of Thiberville in Eure, France. This amount is over five times their annual budget, shocking Mayor Guy Paris, who was informed by a notary of the bequest.
The unusual legacy stems from the deceased sharing the same name as the commune. With no heirs and having lived a modest life as a meteorological engineer, Thiberville chose to leave his estate to the municipality. The town plans to use the funds to pay off debts and finance various community projects such as a synthetic football field, a new fire station, and public garden renovations.
The process for a municipality to accept a legacy involves thorough discussions and council approvals, and a notable benefit is that municipalities are exempt from inheritance taxes. As Thiberville organizes its financial future, it faces the challenge of utilizing this windfall wisely.
Additionally, plans are underway for a monument in Thiberville’s cemetery to honor Roger Thiberville’s memory, reflecting the town’s gratitude for the unexpected gift.
