Budget Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Budget Meeting held on 17th December, 2010 at 11am in Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


MEMBERS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Barrett, 
  • Councillor Barry, 
  • Councillor Bree, 
  • Councillor Cawley, 
  • Councillor Clarke, 
  • Councillor Collery, 
  • Councillor Fleming, 
  • Councillor Gormley, 
  • Councillor Henry, 
  • Councillor Keaney, 
  • Councillor Leonard, 
  • Councillor Lundy, 
  • Councillor Lyons, 
  • Councillor MacManus, 
  • Councillor McGarry, 
  • Councillor McGrath, 
  • Councillor Mullaney, 
  • Councillor Mulvey, 
  • Councillor Murray, 
  • Councillor O’Grady 
  • Councillor Queenan. 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr Hubert Kearns, County Manager
  • Ms Marie Leydon, Head of Finance
  • Ms Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms. P. R. Gallagher, A/Director of Services
  • Mr Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr Donal Harrison, A/Senior Engineer
  • Ms. Patricia Hamilton, Financial Management Accountant
  • Mr Pat Doyle, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms. Mary McAuliffe, Arts Officer
  • Ms. Kathleen McTiernan, Administrative Officer
  • Mr Fergus MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Marian McGovern, Clerical Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor J. Leonard presided.


It was agreed to adjourn the meeting for 15 minutes.

The meeting resumed at 11.20am.

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That any financial motions proposed will be decided by vote at the end of the Budget meeting.”

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

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 or an increase in realisable income.”

Mr. H. Kearns, County Manager gave an overview of the Budget for 2011 and a discussion took place on its general contents.  

The Manager answered members queries in relation to:
  • Staffing levels and costs.- Various income streams.
  • The €15m loan recently drawn down by the Council.
  • The Local Government Fund shortfall. 
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“Concerned at the significant cut-back in the Local Government General Purpose Grant, and recognising that the Council can not increase the rates, this Council calls on the Government and the Minister for the Environment to maintain the General Purpose Grant at its 2008 level.”

PROGRAMME GROUP 1:  HOUSING & BUILDING:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 1 – Housing & Building.

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services outlined the Housing & Building programme for 2011. 

Ms. Clarke clarified the following in response to queries from the members:
  • A Report on high risk areas for radon in Sligo can be prepared. However, it would take a number of years to test council housing stock for levels of radon gas and there would also be a cost implication. 
  • It may be possible to provide a percentage figure of people in difficulties paying their mortgages. 
  • It is hoped that the Council will be in a position to purchase a number of houses in 2011 – no more than 10 – 12. Fifteen houses in total have been purchased in 2010 with the sale to be finalised on a number of these.
  • With regard to installing solid fuel systems in some social houses the preference is for oil fired heating systems and this is more energy efficient.
  • An application has been re-submitted to the Department in relation to Connolly Park, Tubbercurry. The amount requested is €1.3m and there has been no decision on this application to date, but Ms. Clarke stresses that this is a priority for the Council.
  • As regard to the position of an Estate Manager ways are being looked at to re-deploy staff with the necessary skills to cover some of the Estate Manager’s role.
  • No option to buy in relation to Long Term Leasing Scheme, but this issue may be re-visited by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That we call on the Minister for Housing and the Government to provide sufficient funding under the Social Housing Investment programme to allow Sligo County Council to implement its Social Housing Programme.”

PROGRAMME GROUP 2:  ROAD TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 2 – Road Transportation & Safety.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services outlined the Road Transport & Safety Programme.

Members complimented the Roads staff for their efforts in the current severe weather despite staff reductions and restrictions on salt supplies.

Mr. Kilfeather clarified the following in response to queries from the members:
  • In relation to the Tubbercurry by-pass, the relevant documentation has been submitted to the Department and we are awaiting a reply.
  • Mr. Kilfeather has no information regarding extra funding for roads in 2011 but they are expecting a 10% cut in the Roads Allocation for 2011.
  • In relation to salt supplies Mr. Kilfeather states that the NRA has instructed suppliers not to deal directly with Local Authorities, therefore, salt stocks have to be monitored closely with priority given to National Routes. Sligo County Council would be willing to work with local groups as far as was possible in treating the roads.
  • There would be no cost in calling in the Army to assist in clearing pathways in towns.- An application has been made to the Department for extra funding to cover the costs of dealing with the effects of the severe weather.
  • Mr. Kilfeather stated that no allocation had been notified to the Council in respect of the Local Improvement Scheme.
  • Mr. Kilfeather states that he is confident that monies for works on the R294 will be received.
  • It will be mid-2011 before new reports on the N4 - Collooney to Castlebaldwin will be ready.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That this Council calls on the NRA to approve and advertise the EIS and CPO documents for the N17, Tubbercurry by-pass.”

The meeting was adjourned for 30 minutes at 1.50pm for lunch.

The members agreed to hold a special meeting to consider the Draft County Development Plan 2011 – 2017 on Monday 17th January, 2011 at 11am.

PROGRAMME GROUP 3:  WATER SERVICES:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 3, Water Services. 

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services outlined the Water Services Programme. 

In response to queries from the members Mr. Kilfeather clarified the following:
  • The reason for the 500% increase in the cost of the Water Services programme in not due to an increase in supply but reflects the delivery of €100m of infrastructure and the cost of running and maintaining the water treatment plants.
  • Tubbercurry Scheme Bundle – There are affordability issues in covering the Council’s share of the costs. The Department is offering a changed scheme to increase their share of the funding, if the local Authority sign contracts before the end of 2011. Sligo County Council is anxious to move forward with this Scheme under this new criteria.
  • With regard to funding for the domestic element of water, Mr. Kilfeather has no information to date on what is in included in the Local Government Fund(LGF) under this heading, but does point out the as the LGF allocation is decreasing the cost of water is increasing.
  • There is no change in the policy of taking over small Group Water Schemes.
  • Ballintogher is not included in the current bundle of schemes but it is under annual review.
  • There will be further progress to a WasteWater Treatment Plant at Ballinacarrow in 2011.
  • Contact will be made with Roscommon County Council regarding progress on the upgrade to the South Sligo Water Scheme.
  • The Manager is not proposing to increase water and waste water charges for 2011.

PROGRAMME GROUP 4:  DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 4, Development Management. 

In response to queries by the members Ms. Clarke stated the following:
  • The reduction in the Community and Enterprise budget is due mainly to reduction in staff numbers.

Ms. Gallagher stated the following:

  • There has been a huge reduction nationally in the Heritage funding and it is the intention that some of the planning staff will be re-assigned to work with community group projects from a planning perspective.

PROGRAMME GROUP 5:  ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 5, Environmental Services. 
Mr. Kilfeather responded to members’ queries: 
  • The reason for no figure under heading E0701 is that these costs have been reclassified under heading E0201.
  • Reductions under heading E1005 and E1201 are due to reductions in staff costs and the fire safety prevention programme.
In relation to a query on burial grounds Ms. Clarke stated that alternative sites have been considered. Assessments have not been finalised but a report can be issued in the near future.

PROGRAMME GROUP 6:  RECREATION & AMENITY:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 6, Recreation & Amenity. 

Following a discussion by the members Ms. Clarke clarified that the reduction under heading F0503 is due to reductions in salary costs and overheads.

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

AND AGREED

“That the list of grants allocated by the PEACE III Partnership Committee be circulated to the Council. The list to include the name of the organisations receiving the grants and the nature of the projects being funded.”

PROGRAMME GROUP 7 & 8:  AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH, WELFARE & MISCELLANEOUS:

The members proceeded to consider Programme Group 7 & 8, Agriculture, Education, Health & Welfare and Miscellaneous.

PROGRAMME GROUP 9:  CENTRAL MANAGEMENT CHARGES:

The members proceeded to consider Programme Group 9, Central Management Charges.

In response to a query relating to contributions to outside bodies the Manager clarified that these consisted of community groups, burial grounds, statutory grants, groups such as ICBAN and the VEC, the Library Council and the Airport Authority.

The meeting was then adjourned at 3.30pm for 10 minutes.

RESOLUTIONS ARISING FROM BUDGET MEETING;

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

“That the proposed reduction of €28,650 in Division F0401 and F0404 in the funding for Community grants and Recreational Development be offset by increasing these programmes by a similar sum of €28,650, such funds to be obtained by reducing Division H0303 – Irrecoverable Rates.”

Following a discussion and as agreement could not be reached, the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Bree, Clarke, Gormley, Lundy, MacManus.
Against: Barrett, Barry, Collery, Fleming, Henry, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, Mullaney, Mulvey, Murray, O’Grady, Queenan.
Abstain: Cawley.

As the result was 5 For, 14 Against and 1 Abstention, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending 31st December, 2011 as submitted by the County Manager.”

Following a discussion and as agreement could not be reached, the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

For: Barrett, Cawley, Collery, Fleming, Henry, Keaney, Leonard, Lyons, McGrath, Mullaney, Mulvey, Murray, Queenan,
Against: Barry, Bree, Clarke, Gormley, Lundy, MacManus, O’Grady.

As the result was 13 For and 7 Against the Cathaoirleach declared the motion passed.

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December, 2011, 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 2011. The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €64.43.”

Councillor M. Clarke asked to be recorded as dissenting for this resolution.

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“To note the County Manager’s report on the proposed three year Capital Programme 2011-2013.(pages 75-77 Budget Book)”

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €37,500 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2011. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach.”

Proposed by Councillor T. Collery
Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for An Leas-Cathaoirleach be fixed at €9,375 per annum with effect from the 1stJanuary, 2011. This allowance is to be paid in two instalments in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas-Cathaoirleach.”

Proposed by Councillor P. McGrath
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett

AND AGREED

“To agree to the attendance of the Cathaoirleach to attend the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in 2011 in the United States of America.”

VOTES OF SYMPATHY;

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

AND AGREED

“that a vote of sympathy be extended to Dennis Coleman on the death of his mother, Nora Coleman.”

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 4.10pm



Meeting Date 17/12/2010