Budget Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Budget Meeting held on 19th December, 2011 at 10am in The 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 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. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms. Rhona McGrath, Assistant Arts Officer
  • Mr Conal Colleary,County Vet
  • Ms. Orlagh Campbell, Administrative Officer
  • Ms Eithne Garvin, Administrative Officer
  • Mr Fergus MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms. Marian McGovern, Clerical Officer
     

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Fleming presided.
 

The Cathaoirleach expressed sympathy to the Family in Gurteen on the tragic death of a father and 2 children on Sunday evening. The members observed a moments prayer in silence.
 

Mr. H. Kearns, County Manager gave an overview of the Budget for 2012. He pointed out that as Central Government will be reducing the national deficit up to 2015 this will be reflected in further reductions to local authority funding.

Various cost reduction measures have been implemented but certain budgets cannot be reduced any further due to safety concerns.
 

Following a discussion it was;

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

“That the Draft Budget 2012, as presented, be adopted.”
 

It was also;

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 identify a corresponding decrease in expenditure or an increase in realisable income.”
 

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

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

Councillor Bree argued that motions have to be dealt with in order and therefore the members would have to consider Councillor Leonard’s motion first.

Councillor Leonard pointed out that Councillor Keaney’s 2 motions deal with procedure whereas his motion is open to amendment as the meeting progresses.

The members agree to take Councillor Keaney’s 2 motions as they dealt with procedures that have been standard practice at Budget meetings.

In response to comments by the members the County Manager, Mr. H Kearns stated the following:

  • The Council are faced with the problem of an increasing deficit.
  • The Water Services Programme has increased in cost as the Local Government Fund has decreased in the last 3 years and this trend looks set to continue.
  • The Council are expecting 8-12 people to take early retirement by February 2012 and this will be mainly from admin staff.
  • A mid term review of the Council’s finances would be a good idea.

Following  further discussion by the members it was;
 

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“That this Budget meeting be deferred pending an urgent meeting with Minister Phil Hogan in January, in light of Sligo County Council’s financial position.”

 

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 2012.

Before the members continue to consider this programme, Councillor Healy McGowan asked that her motion to defer the meeting be considered.

Councillor Leonard stated that the Council would be in a better position if they went to meet the Minister, having considered the budget and tried to resolve the deficit problem.

Councillor Healy McGowan agreed to consider the budget and proceed with the meeting.

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

  • Indications from the Department are that there will be little if no reduction in the Housing Grant Schemes but the grant will not be confirmed until early 2012. Any grant application forms sent back to applicants was done so if the form had not been completed correctly. Those forms returned needed to be resubmitted.
  • Oil fuelled systems are used in social housing as it is more efficient than solid fuel and adheres to the energy rating regulations set down by the Department.
  • The Shared Ownership Scheme still exists but currently there is not a lot of interest in this scheme.
  • Ms Clarke outlined some of the reasons for vacant properties as some were being considered for sale, some were awaiting demolition and others were under going maintenance works or awaiting works.
  • Ms Clarke admitted that some of the grant application forms were quite extensive but that housing staff would provide assistance in filling them in.

 

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 engineering and outdoor staff for services provided in stringent times.

Mr. Kilfeather clarified the following in response to queries from the members:

  • The Local Improvement Scheme grant had been reduced drastically in the previous 2 years and has been completely wiped out for 2012.
  • Mr Kilfeather clarified the amount for Councillors’ road allowance as being €6,000 – the €6,500 figure printed in the budget is a misprint.
  • The NRA have given a guarantee that funds will be made available for Phase 4 of the N4 from Castlebaldwin to Collooney.
  • The progression of the Western Distributor Road project is dependent on the IDA investment.
  • The Sligo/Strandhill cycle way has been 100% grant aided by the Smarter Travel Sustainable Travel Scheme.
  • The Council is hopeful that funding will be made available to complete the R294.
  • A report will be prepared on outdoor staff numbers in the various areas for the next meeting.
  • A solution has been identified re Cashel gates. A submission has been made but is dependent on funding.
  • The cost of moving isolated poles is very high and there is only a modest budget for same.

Mr T. Brennan, Senior Engineer, responding to a query about the R297 at Easkey, stated that a grant application had been submitted and was unsuccessful. The Council may have to submit a reduced scheme to avail of funding.

 

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. T Kilfeather, Director of Services, clarified the following:

  • The Tubbercurry/Grange/Strandhill bundle scheme is still awaiting approval. The Council have a meeting with the Department tomorrow and this scheme is on the agenda. However, it is unlikely that contracts would be signed before the end of 2011. The Council’s portion of the funding (approximately €1.5m) will not be required until the latter stages of the scheme and the Department provide 85% funding up front.
  • The water rates revenue for 2011 may not be at the same level as 2010 but a large number of accounts have been tidied up. Unreported leaks are still a major problem in the supply of water.
  • It is hoped to start construction of the Bunninadden WWTP by the end of March 2012.
  • The amount included in the Local Government Fund grant for domestic water is not known.

Mr D. Harrison, A/Senior Engineer responded to other queries by the members:

  • Upgrading of the Sligo and Environs Sewerage Scheme with the Pearse Road surface water sewer will commence in early 2012.
  • Subject to funding it is policy to take over group water schemes and there are a number schemes currently in the application phase.
  • The Council are aware of issues with the network capacity in the Ballytivnan area and hope to address these in early 2012.
  • The Council have a 10 year contract with Viola Water and are into their 5th years of this contract.
  • When looked at previously an Easkey Wastewater Scheme did not represent best value for money.

 

PROGRAMME GROUP 4: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT:

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

In response to queries by the members Ms. P. Gallagher, A/Director of Services, stated the following:

  • New legislation over quarries represents an extensive body of work for the planning and enforcement department.
  • All reviews on development plans will be done in house.
  • The increase in the figure under the D0601 heading is salaries being included due to staff movements.

The Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor M. Lyons takes the Chair.

 

PROGRAMME GROUP 5: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES:

The Members proceeded to consider Programme Group 5, Environmental Services.

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services, responded to members’ queries:

  • Legislation requires that complaints made to the council regarding illegal dumping, are forwarded to the Department of Environment.
  • By taking on the ownership of bottle banks the Council can tender for the collection of cans and bottles which will result in substantial savings.

Ms. P. Gallagher, A/Director of Services stated that she did not have a figure of derelict sites to hand but would circulate this figure to the members.

Ms. M. Leydon, Head of Finance also clarified that the Total figure at the bottom of Page 81 was incorrect due to a misprint but all the individual figures are correct.

The Cathaoirleach resumes the Chair.

 

PROGRAMME GROUP 6: RECREATION & AMENITY:

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

Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following;

  • The Mobile Library Service has been put on hold by the government but the draft budget had gone to print before this information was received.
  • Ms. Clarke is confident that funding of €250,000 will be secured for the ‘Creative Sligo’ initiative.

The members complimented both the library and arts programmes for the level of service provided despite the economic difficulties.

 

PROGRAMME GROUP 7: AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH, WELFARE:

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

In relation to a query on coastal protection at Strandhill, Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services stated that a study for a more permanent solution is currently underway. Recent high tides have caused further damage and the Council are currently carrying out emergency repair works.

 

PROGRAMME GROUP 8 & 9: CENTRAL MANAGEMENT CHARGES:

The members proceeded to consider Programme Group 8, Miscellaneous Services & Central Management Charges

The members thanked the Customer Services, Communications and IT departments for their help and assistance throughout the year.

Councillor J. Leonard asked that his motion to adopt the budget be put to the floor.

It was agreed by the members to take the various motions in the order they were received at the meeting.

 

RESOLUTIONS ARISING FROM BUDGET MEETING:

Proposed by Councillor J. Devins

Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“Due to the very serious financial situation that exists in Sligo County Council and the Local Authority’s inability to meet these financial commitments, the Council calls on Minister Hogan and the Department of Environment to provide a one-off payment of €10m to assist the Council in meeting obligations to it’s loan and overdraft facility.”
 

Proposed by Councillor V. Cawley

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council carry out a review of all Design, Build and Operate (DBOs) contracts and a report be brought before this Council, no longer than 3 months time. The report to include information on number of contracts, locations and company names; duration of contracts and expiry dates, the cost to this Council per year and cumulatively and the conditions and cost for early termination of the contracts.”
 

Proposed by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley

“That this Budget meeting be deferred pending an urgent meeting with Minister Phil Hogan in January, in light of Sligo County Council’s financial position.” 

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

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

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

As the result was 10 For and 14 Against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.
 

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney 

AND AGREED

“That a review of our financial position, be presented to a full Council meeting as soon as possible after the end of June; having a report of meeting with Minister Hogan been made available to members in advance in writing.”
 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

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

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor M. Clarke

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council requests that the Department of the Environment take the necessary action to simplify the application form for Social Housing.”
 

Proposed by Councillor G. Murray

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That the Local Improvement Scheme be reinstated.”
 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree

Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

AND AGREED

“That all recommendations and proposals for funding for arts organisations, community groups, cultural organisations and residents and sports organisations be presented to the Council for approval.”
 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor P. McGrath

“That Sligo County Council disregard complaints made by letter to the Council if it is not signed and a contact number available and, if by phone, a name and contact number is not given.”

Councillor Gormley, with the agreement of the members, deferred this motion to the January Ordinary Meeting where it would be included on the agenda for same.
 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“That the proposed reduction in ‘Council’s Own Resources Contribution’ to Roadworks programme, of €50,000 proposal to be off set by increasing this programme by a similar amount of €50,000; such funds to be obtained by reducing H0303 – Refunds & Irrecoverable rates by €50,000.”

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

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, MacManus, McGarry and Queenan.

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

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

Proposed by Councillor S. MacManus

Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

“That Sligo County Council agrees to increase Programme F0301, ‘Parks, Pitches & Open Spaces’ by €6,700, Programme F0404, ‘Recreational Development’ by €5,900 and Programme F0101 ‘ Leisure Facilities Operations’ by €3,400, which will bring this funding back to last year’s level. This funding to be matched by a corresponding decrease of €16,000 in programme D0601.”

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

For: Baker, Barry, Bree, V. Cawley, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, MacManus, McGarry and Queenan.

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

As the result was 11 For and 12 Against, the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.
 

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending 31st December, 2012 as submitted by the County Manager.”

Following a discussion and 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, Mulvey and Murray.

Against: Baker, Barry, Bree, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan, MacManus, and Queenan.

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

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December, 2012, 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.”

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, Mulvey and Murray.

Against: Baker, Barry, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Healy McGowan and MacManus.

Abstain: Bree and Queenan.

As the result was 14 For, 7 Against and 2 Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.
 

Proposed by Councillor J. Leonard

Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To note the County Manager’s report on the proposed three year Capital Programme 2012-2014.(pages 78-80 Budget Book)”
 

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

Seconded by Councillor J. Leonard

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €37,500 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2012. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”
 

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney

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 1st January, 2012. This allowance is to be paid in two installments in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas-Cathaoirleach.”

 

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Margaret Lawrence on the death of her sister, Mary Henry.”
 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Nora Benson on the death of her husband, Jim Benson.”
 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Molloy on the death of her mother, Kitty Moran.”


Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley

Seconded by Councillor G. Murray 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Sarah Powell on the death of her sister, Mary Henry.”
 

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Violet Sherlock on the death of her husband, Victor Sherlock.”
 

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey

Seconded by Councillor T. Collery 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Martin Gallagher on the death of his mother, Pauline Gallagher.”
 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED 

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Owen Clerkin on the death of his sister, Bernadette Clerkin.”
 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Daniel Kavanagh on the death of his father, Leo Kavanagh.”
 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Louise Gallagher on the death of her grandmother, Pauline Gallagher.”
 

Proposed by Councillor M. Barrett

Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey 

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Michael James Scanlon on winning the Sligo GAA’s No. 1 Legend Supporter, 2011.”

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 4.45pm

 


Meeting Date 19/12/2011