Budget Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Adjourned Budget Meeting held on 20th January, 2014 at 10am in Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Barrett,
  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Barry,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor D. Cawley,
  • Councillor V. Cawley,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Collery,
  • Councillor Devins,
  • Councillor Fleming,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor Healy McGowan,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Leonard,
  • Councillor Lundy,
  • Councillor Lyons,
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor McGarry,
  • Councillor McGrath,
  • Councillor McLoughlin,
  • Councillor Mullaney,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr Ciarán Hayes, County Manager
  • Ms Marie Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms Patricia Hamilton, Financial Management Accountant
  • Mr Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Noel Haran, A/Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr John O’Flaherty, A/Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Mr John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr Conal Colleary, County Vet
  • Mr Kevin Colreavy, Administrative Officer
  • Mr Gabriel Browne, Administrative Officer
  • Ms Eithne Garvin, Administrative Officer
  • Mr Pete Murtagh, Waste Management Enforcement Officer
  • Ms Siobhan Gillen, A/Waste Management Enforcement Officer
  • Ms Olivia Black, A/Assistant Staff Officer
  • Mr Fergus MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms Marian McGovern, Clerical Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. McGrath presided.

 

Mr. C. Hayes, the County Manager briefly commented on the preparation of the 2014 Draft Budget. He pointed to a significant reduction in staff numbers and thanked staff for their co-operation in dealing with the changing work practices.

The Manager indicated that he had not being involved in the detailed preparation of the budget and he thanked staff and elected members for their work in obtaining an additional €1m from the Department which enabled a balanced budget to be presented, albeit there being a 10% reduction in the overall budget figure. 

 

At this point it was ;

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“That all motions seeking an increase in expenditure or a reduction in income under any heading, must either show a corresponding decrease in expenditure of an increase in realisable income.”

 

It was then;

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

“That no further motions be considered by the Council until such time as the entire budget has been considered in detail.”

The members had a discussion on whether the meeting could consider or vote on resolutions while considering the Draft Budget. The Cathaoirleach pointed out that these two resolutions were to set the procedure for the meeting. Councillor Keaney agreed to amend the resolution to read ‘voted’ instead of ‘considered.’

 

Therefore it was;

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming

AND AGREED

“That no further motions be voted on by the Council until such time as the entire budget has been considered in detail.”

In response to queries from the members in relation to a letter circulated to the members dated 18th December, from Colm Lavery, Principal  in the Local Government Finance Office the Cathaoirleach gave the background to the receipt of an additional €1m  from the Department. When notified of the general purpose grant allocation for 2014 Sligo County Council Management realised it would be extremely difficult to present a balanced budget and contacted the Department outlining these difficulties. On the 18th December, 2013 the Department contacted the Council via the letter referred to by members setting out the conditions under which €1m would be set aside for the Council under an agreed financial plan.

The County Manager, Mr. Hayes informed the members that he and other members of the Management Team met with the Department on the 23rd December. Mr. Hayes gave a commitment to the members to circulate any further relevant documents in so far as was appropriate regarding the financial plan.

The members proceeded to comment on the Draft Budget as presented and in response to their queries the County Manager stated the following:

  • -      The Supreme Court decision on Lissadell is not yet perfected and therefore the Council is not in a position to comment further. Mr. Hayes pointed out that the finalising of an actual costs figure could be a lengthy process if the Taxing Master becomes involved in the negotiations.
  • -      The Manager stated that he was obliged to look at all income and expenditure costs but would keep the members informed on the Financial Plan.
  • -      There has been no decision on the future of Teach Laighne but with the reorganisation of the local authorities in 2014 the position of all area offices would be looked at.

 

In response to queries regarding the recent storm damage, Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated the following:

  • -      Although Sligo was fortunate compared to storm damage experienced by other counties there was instances of damage at coastal areas throughout the County.
  • -      The Roads Section are currently finalising a report and submissions will be made to the relevant Departments.  A copy of this report would be circulated to the members in due course.
  • -      Areas which had experienced damage were areas where schemes for improvement works had already been identified by the Council.
  • -      Mr. Kilfeather estimated that an immediate clean up would cost in the region of €125,000.

 

DIVISION A:  HOUSING AND BUILDING

The Members proceeded to consider Division A,  Housing and Building

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services outlined the Housing and Building programme for 2014.

Following a discussion by the members the County Manager, Mr. Hayes stated the following:

  • -     The RAS Scheme serves a purpose for some people and as this is government policy the Council are obliged to avail of it.
  • -     The Manager is aware of the issue with the car park on Connaughton Road but it is a complex situation which the Council would be revisiting with a view to finding a resolution.

 

At 12.05pm the Leas-Cathaoirleach Councillor M. Lyons takes the Chair

 

Ms. Clarke clarified the following in response to queries from the members:

  • -      There is a provision for the Property Tax on Council owned housing for 2014 to the sum of €94,000
  • -      While there is currently no dedicated Estate Manager due to staffing issues there is a Tenancy Support Office in operation within the Housing Department. This consists of the Housing Officer, the Housing Investigations Officer and the Traveller Liaison Officer and they deal with the various issues as the Council are made aware of them. It is hoped to assign more staff to this unit in the future.
  • -      A detailed breakdown of the 2013 Housing Grant figures will be circulated to the members but there are only 4 Housing Adaptation for People with a Disability applications being carried forward into 2014. The Council only operated 2 out of the 3 Housing Grant schemes in 2013 with the total allocation being €429,099. This was received in 3 instalments and Ms. Clarke informs the members that the Housing Department had just received notification of the 2014 figure of €469,188. Based on the receipt of the grants in 3 instalments in 2013 the Director informed the members that an increased matching sum figure was provided for in the 2014 Budget.
  • -      46 Radon Inspections were carried out in 2013 with 43 found compliant. Works carried out on the remaining 3 were not extensive with funding for same coming from Internal Capital Receipts. Ms. Clarke did not have an exact number of Council owned houses which required inspections but this figure could be provided at a later date.
  • -      Approximately 180 Private Rented Improvement Notices were sent out in 2013. In the majority of cases the notices have resulted in works taking place and no cases have proceeded to court.
  • -      There is currently no tenant purchase scheme in operation.
  • -      The Land Aggregation Scheme has come to an end and Ms. Clarke indicates that the Council intends entering discussions with the Department.
  • -      No allocation has been received for the Rural Housing Scheme. Improvement works in lieu of housing would only be considered as the only option once an assessment had been carried out.
  • -      The site in Collooney beside the GAA grounds is still being considered for Traveller Accommodation. The Manager, Mr. Hayes informs the members that there is a Part V commitment in place which restricts the Council’s usage of these lands.
  • -      5 Long Term leases were established in 2013.

 

The Cathaoirleach resumed the Chair at 12.15pm

 

The Head of Finance, Ms. Leydon responded to queries from the members stating;

  • -      A total of 13 loans were approved in 2013 and a further 13 were rejected. In these cases the clients were given financial advice by the Council as to where they could rectify issues which led to their applications being rejected.
  • -      The changes in figures A0501 and A0601 reflect salary adjustments due to changing work programmes.
  • -      There has been an increase in funding for Estate Maintenance in terms of monies going to Residents Associations. The reduction in the overall figure is due to reduction in staff costs.

 

DIVISION B: TRANSPORTATION and SAFETY

The Members proceeded to consider Division B, Road Transportation and Safety.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services outlined the Road Transport and Safety Division.

Following a discussion by the members the County Manager, Mr. Hayes stated the following:

  • -     Feels it is important to cultivate a good working relationship with the NRA.
  • -     The N17 is particularly bad in places and the Manager would see this as a priority route for improvement works.
  • -     Mr. Hayes indicated that he did want to move forward on the O’Connell St issue but would leave the detailed queries to Mr. Kilfeather to deal with.

In response to various queries from the members Mr Kilfeather stated the following:

  • -      Mr. Kilfeather acknowledged the comments from the members in relation to the Road Design team indicating that there had been a huge body of work carried out in-house by staff on the N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Proposed Road Development CPO and that the NRA had been very impressed with the Council’s submission.
  • -      The timeline for the N4 CPO process after the submission to An Bord Pleanála would be an oral hearing in April/May and in a best case scenario where there would be no delays the scheme could go to construction towards the end of 2016.
  • -      Friday 24th January is the deadline for receipt of tenders for works on O’Connell Street. Mr. Kilfeather admitted that this would be a difficult scheme to deliver and the Council would have to work closely with businesses and residents on the street. With the 2014 Fleadh in August the Council would also have to plan carefully the timing of works and this would dictate the scope and nature of works to take place in 2014.
  • -      The Water Conservation works planned for Sligo town will now be funded by Irish Water.
  • -      N16 works are in the very early stages with the Council only entered discussions with the NRA regarding this route.
  • -      Plans for the N15 and Hughes Bridge Scheme have been submitted to the NRA and if funding is made available construction can start in 2014. However, the scope and nature of the works will have to take the Fleadh into account when doing up a Programme of Works.
  • -      The Community Involvement Scheme had mixed results and Mr. Kilfeather feels it needs to be publicised more.
  • -      The Council has done and will continue to make submissions for work at Cashel Gates.
  • -      The Outdoors staff numbers have reduced significantly and the Director feels they cannot drop below current levels. Staff may need to be reassigned to the worst areas affected.
  • -      On the Active Travel Scheme Mr. Kilfeather indicates that trying to fit cycle/walk lanes adequately into existing roads can be difficult.
  • -      The Council are currently not in a position to fund works on the N59 and the R297 at Castletown/Easkey but they are included in the Three Year Capital Programme for future funding.

Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer responded to queries from the members stating;

  • -      With regard to the Eastern Bridge funding was received from the Department to make some amendments to the scheme, especially to the Southern Bank section. Further public consultations are planned for the near future. There are currently some ecological and archaeological investigation works being carried out. The aim of the Council is to progress the scheme to a point where should funding be made available construction work can proceed as soon as possible. With regard to the CPO for the scheme the Council intends to enter discussions with approximately 12 landowners later this year and into 2015.

 

DIVISION C:  WATER SERVICES

The Members proceeded to consider Division C, Water Services.

Before the members considered Division C the County Manager, Mr. Hayes made the following points:

  • -      By setting up a separate utility group, Irish Water considerable costs were removed from the Government books.
  • -      There are a number of complex issues to be resolved with the transfer to Irish Water such as pension liability for Water services staff.
  • -      Local Authorities have entered a Service Level Agreement with Irish Water which has involved intensive training for water services staff.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services gave an overview of Division C outlining the Water Services Investment Capital Programme as follows:

  • A second Procurement process for Phase 1 of the Water Conservation Mains Rehabilitation Works on the Sligo and Environs Water Supply scheme will be completed during 2013. This was required following the withdrawal of two tenders during the first procurement process. It is proposed that this contract and associated financial liabilities will be novated to Irish Water in January 2014.
  • Work is ongoing in consultation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department in order to progress the Water Abstraction Order for the Lough Talt water supply scheme. Detailed ecological and hydrological studies are being carried out in order to complete the Appropriate Assessment for the project. An interim treatment solution has been submitted to the Department for approval.
  • The Department has approved funding for a design review of the Sligo and Environs water supply scheme. This review will consider all options in relation to the future operation of water treatment plants and supply areas within the scheme and opportunities to expand distribution
  • The Design Review Report for the Tubbercurry, Grange and Strandhill DBO scheme has been approved by the Department based on a revised scope for the project. Statutory planning requirements are now being advanced to facilitate procurement in 2014 subject to approval from Irish Water.
  • The Design Review Report for the Ballymote and Collooney Wastewater Treatment plant has been submitted to the Department. It is anticipated that these work will be advanced in 2014 subject to approval from Irish Water.
  • Sligo and Environs Sewerage Scheme – a new stormwater sewer is proposed along Pearse road as part of the Water Conservation Mains Rehabilitation contract. It is anticipated that these works will proceed in 2014.
  • Tender documents for the Ballincar, Cregg and Rosses Point sewerage scheme are being prepared. It is anticipated that procurement will be advanced in 2014 subject to approval from Irish Water.

 

The members had various questions regarding the Water Services Division. Mr Kilfeather clarified the following:

  • -      Loans and charges will be transferred to Irish Water later this year and this would reduce the Council’s debt by €20m. The Salaries of Water Services staff would also be recouped from Irish Water.
  • -      The Water Services Capital Office in Sligo would continue working on Capital Projects. This office is due to meet the newly formed Irish Water Capital Works team at the end of January which would indicate capital projects for Sligo County Council for 2014/2015.
  • -      Irish Water contact details for public representatives were included in a letter circulated to members in December. It is expected that a call centre for the general public will be up and running by April.
  • -      There will be issues regarding leaks in estates not yet taken in charge by local authorities. Mr. Kilfeather indicated that there was no definitive resolution from Irish Water re same.
  • -      The Council would have a major role in monitoring water quality in the future.
  • -      There has been some indication that Irish Water are establishing a Pension Plan but this is in the very early stages and it is unclear if they will take over existing pensions.
  • -      Schemes like the Tubbercurry/Grange Strandhill bundled scheme will now be progressed by Irish Water who will also be funding these works.
  • -      The understanding is that meters installed by Violia will be used in the short-term but they will be gradually phased out.
  • -      The initial Service Level Agreement between Irish Water and local authorities is for 12 years.

The County Manager, Mr. Hayes wanted to highlight the issue of unaccounted for water to the members. Although there was leakage on the public mains system Mr. Hayes pointed out that there was also significant leakage on the private side of the stop cock and that some people may not be aware of such leaks.

 

DIVISION D: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

The Members proceeded to consider Division D, Development Management.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services outlined the Planning, Enforcement and Heritage section of Division D and Ms Clarke outlined the Tourism and Community and Enterprise section.

In response to queries from the members Ms Clarke stated the following;

  • -      Ms. Clarke acknowledged the work of Sligo Tourism and Team Sligo.
  • -      The reduction in the General Community and Enterprise Expenses was due to staff reduction.
  • -      There was a sum of €100,000 arrears due to the County Coroner which would be cleared in 2014 with an additional €73,000 budgeted for 2014 Coroner fees.

The Head of Finance, Ms. Leydon confirmed that there is no contribution to Sligo Airport in the 2014 Budget.

 

DIVISION E: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

The Members proceeded to consider Division E, Environmental Services.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services outlined the Environmental Services Division and Ms Clarke outlined funding for the Civil Defence and Fire Services.

Following a discussion by the members and in response to their queries Mr Kilfeather stated the following:

  • -      Lands adjacent to the existing burial grounds at Ahamlish have been definitively ruled out for usage as an extension to the cemetry.
  • -      With regard to textile banks Mr. Kilfeather confirms collection figures of €750/tonne for Council owned bring banks and €601/tonne for community interests and €150/tonne for the Council for bring banks on private property.
  • -      The Environment Section have just initiated a media campaign to inform the public on the new waste collection bye laws.

Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer in Environment answered further queries from the members in relation to the new Waste Bye-Laws:

  • -      The new bye-laws have been introduced on foot of EU legislation.
  • -      The Council is not expecting full compliance over night and is willing to work with the waste collectors and customers to make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
  • -      Waste collectors have to provide options for the customers

In response to a query on Fire arrears Ms. Leydon informs the members that she does not have those figures to hand but will endeavour to have them before the end of the meeting.

 

DIVISION F: RECREATION AND AMENITY

The Members proceeded to consider Division F, Recreation and Amenity.

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services gives an overview of Division F.

In response to queries from the members Ms Clarke stated the following;

  • -      There is a substantial increase in the contribution to the Archive Service due to the Council devoting staff resources to assist an Archivist which Sligo County Council shares with Longford County Council. There are a substantial amount of records ( 6% of the national Local Government archive) held by Sligo County Council at various locations and the Council sees it as a priority to catalogue this resource.
  • -      The Community Grant figure of F0401 includes a €90,000 contribution to the 2014 Fleadh. This figure also includes an increase on the 2013 contribution to other community based festivals.
  • -      A detailed breakdown of Figure F0502 – Contributions to other Bodies Arts Programme will come before the Council as a Headed Item for the February or March meeting.
  • -      PEACE III has provided funding in the region of €280,000 towards events during the 2014 Fleadh. However, there is a very specific set of conditions on the type of events which will receive this funding. The money will not be used on core Fleadh events but on activities which will bring together groups from both sides of the border on more fringe based activities.
  • -      Ms. Clarke admits that the contribution to the library for books is well under the national average but it is an increase on 2013 which is a positive step.

The Head of Finance, Ms Leydon commented further on the fire arrears stating that the majority of the arrears are owed by insurance companies. The delay in recouping these is due to several issues over ownership and road traffic incidents.

 

DIVISION G: AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH, WELFARE

The Members proceeded to consider Division G, Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare.

Mr Kilfeather, Director of Services gives a brief overview of Division G and Ms. Clarke covered Section G05 of this Division – Educational Support Services.

There were no queries from the members regarding this division. 

 

DIVISION H: MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

There were no queries from the members regarding this division. 

 

DIVISION J: CENTRAL MANAGEMENT CHARGES

There were no queries from the members regarding this division. 

 

RESOLUTIONS ARISING FROM BUDGET MEETING:

As a large number of motions had been handed up to the top table, the Cathaoirleach agreed to adjourn the meeting at 7.55pm for 10 minutes to allow the members to consider these motions.

 

The Cathaoirleach advises the meeting that there will be no discussion on individual motions.

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“Recognising the grave financial crisis the Council finds itself in, this Council resolves to thank the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government on his decision to offer a bailout of €1 million in the current year; and further the Council requests the Minister to sympathetically consider providing additional funding to the Council to assist it in overcoming its financial difficulties and reducing its debt.”

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the Government to provide sufficient grant aid under the Social Housing Investment Programme to allow the Council to implement its Social Housing Programme.”

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

AND AGREED

“To ask the Minister for Housing, Jan O’Sullivan TD to reduce the age limit for housing adaption grants from 66 to 60.”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

“That Sligo County Council agrees to increase Council’s own contribution to Road Works Programme by €100,000. This funding matched by a corresponding decrease of €100,000 in H0303 Refunds and Irrecoverable Rates.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

As the result was 11 For, 13 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Proposed by Councillor J. McGarry
Seconded by Councillor V. Cawley

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council prioritise funding from the 2014 Non National Roads Budget to go towards works to be carries out on Road 292 from the roundabout at Carraroe to the Borough boundary at Oakfield Road.”

 

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“That the sum of €10,000 be taken from F03 – Outdoor Leisure to be transferred to G03 – Coastal Protection.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

Abstention: Bree and MacManus.

As the result was 9 For, 13 Against and 2 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That Sligo County Council agrees to increase Programme D0501 ‘Tourism Promotion’ by €35,000, such funding to be taken from the Local Government Fund General Purpose Grant Allocation 2014 as notified by the Department on December 12th 2013.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

As the result was 11 For, 13 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That Sligo County Council agrees to increase Programme F0201 ‘Library Service Operation’ by €50,000, such funding to be taken from the LGF General Purpose Grant Allocation 2014 as notified by the department on December 12th 2013.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

As the result was 11 For, 13 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That Sligo County Council agrees to increase Programme F0404 ‘Recreational Development’ by  €30,000, such funds to be matched by reducing H0303 ‘Refunds and Irrecoverable Rates’ by a similar amount.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

As the result was 11 For, 13 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

AND AGREED

“Ask the County Manager to (a) extend the lead in period of the new waste collection service in County Sligo for a further 3 months to allow people familiarise themselves with the new system.(b) To request the waste operators to amend their pricing structure in order to meet the needs of their customers.”

 

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor J. Devins

“That Sligo County Council reduce H0401 Register of Electors by the sum of €10,000. The figure for Sligo Live Festival be increased by €10,000.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

As the result was 11 For, 13 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor R. O’Grady

“The sum of €5,000 be reduced from G0203 Operation of Harbours. This to be used to increase allocation to Sligo Tourism by €5,000 so that they continue to exist in 2014.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

Abstention: Bree.

As the result was 10 For, 13 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That income under Heading Division E – Fire Charges be retained at last year’s level of €190,000 and that expenditure under heading F0401 be increased by a further €26,000, and that expenditure under heading F0204 be increased by a further €30,000.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Against: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

Abstention: Clarke.

As the result was 10 For, 13 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending 31st December, 2014 as submitted by the County Manager.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Barrett, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

Against: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

As the result was 13 For, 11 Against and 0 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December 2014, as adopted at this meeting, the rateable valuation multiplier to be levied for the purposes specified in such budgets as set out in tables B and C for the financial year 2014.  The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €64.43.”

As agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Barrett, Bree, D. Cawley, V. Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGarry, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney and Mulvey.

Against: Baker, Barry, Clarke, Devins, Healy McGowan, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady and Queenan.

Abstention: Gormley.

As the result was 14 For, 9 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €37,500 per annum with effect from the 1st January 2014.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for An Leas-Cathaoirleach be fixed at €9,375 per Annum with effect from the 1st January 2014.  This allowance is to be paid in two instalments in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas-Cathaoirleach.”

 

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“To note the County Manager’s report on the proposed three year Capital Programme 2014 – 2016.” (pages 95 -97 Budget Book)

 

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Fitzsimmons on the death of her brother, Brian McDonagh.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Kathleen Coleman on the death of her brother, Peter Nicholson.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary McDonagh and family on the death of her husband, Brian McDonagh.”

 

CONFERENCES:

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“That Councillors Jude Devins, Hubert Keaney, Thomas Collery, Dara Mulvey, Gerard Mullaney and Mary Barrett attend the LAMA conference to be held in Monaghan on 30th and 31st January, 2014.”

 

The Cathaoirleach thanked staff for their work on preparing the Budget and the executive for their responses to the members during the meeting. He also thanked the members for their co-operation.

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 8.35pm

 

 

 


Meeting Date 20/01/2014