Budget Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Annual Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 24th November, 2014 at 10 am in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo


COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

  • Councillor Baker,
  • Councillor Bree,
  • Councillor Casserly,
  • Councillor Clarke,
  • Councillor Gormley,
  • Councillor Healy,
  • Councillor Keaney,
  • Councillor Kilgannon,
  • Councillor Lundy,
  • Councillor Maguire,  
  • Councillor MacManus,
  • Councillor Mac Sharry,
  • Councillor Mulvey,
  • Councillor O’Boyle,
  • Councillor O’Grady,
  • Councillor Queenan,
  • Councillor Scanlon,
  • Councillor Taylor.

 

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Mr Ciáran Hayes, Chief Executive (CE)
  • Ms Marie Leydon, Head of Finance (HOD)
  • Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services (DOS)
  • Mr Bartley Gavin, Acting Director of Services (A/DOS)
  • Mr Joe Murphy, Acting Director of Services (A/DOS)
  • Ms Olivia Heffernan, Financial Management Accountant
  • Ms Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
  • Mr John Reilly, Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
  • Mr John Moran, Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
  • Mr Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer (SE)
  • Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, Acting Senior Engineer (A/SE)
  • Mr Frank Moylan, Acting Senior Planner
  • Mr Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Mr Sean Martin, Acting Senior Architect
  • Ms Caroline Conmy, Administrative Officer (AO)
  • Ms Maura Hegarty, Administrative Officer (AO)
  • Ms Siofra Kilcullen, Administrative Officer (AO)
  • Ms Dolores McDonagh, Administrative Officer (AO)
  • Mr Kevin Colreavy, Meeting Administrator
  • Ms Marian McGovern, Clerical Officer (CO)

 

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

  • The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Joe Queenan presided.

 

2015 DRAFT BUDGET:

The Cathaoirleach opened the meeting stating that the 10 year Financial Plan requested by the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government has been submitted to the Department and the CE, Mr. Hayes intends to give the members an overview of the Plan.

He advised the members that the Draft 2015 Budget was based on that of 2014 and was balanced. Having regard to the Minister’s requirements however, he also advised that he was required to extract further savings that would in time be set against the long term debt.

He noted that the backdrop to the  2015 Draft Budget and the 10 Year Plan was the  serious financial position of the Council.

While the Council had introduced and implemented many reforms, the over-riding objective was to re-establish a fully functioning democracy and to maximise all income streams in 2015. The Council was presented with a balanced budget, and all possible measures were being taken to bring the Council’s finances back to sustainability.

The members were circulated with copies of correspondence between Mr Paul Lemass, Assistant Secretary – Local Government Division and the Chief Executive, Mr. Hayes.

 

Before proceeding with discussions the members agreed the following resolutions:

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

AND AGREED

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

 

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

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.”

The members had a detailed discussion on the presentation delivered by the Chief Executive and in response to their queries Mr. Hayes stated the following:

  • The Council are being asked to cut and reduce services yet were obliged to continue to fund services we did not provide, such as  the coroner’s fees.
  • Funding for services such as ‘End of Life Vehicles’ and dealing with stray animals has been cut putting more pressure on the Council to maintain current levels of service.
  • There will be an increased emphasis on rate collections in all areas with targets to be set for income collection and initiating court proceedings for non-payment of rates.
  • Mr. Hayes had advised the Department that the Council is not solely responsible for its financial position and further detailed meetings will be held with the Department in the new year.

 

At 11.15am the Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mac Sharry takes the Chair.

 

The Members proceeded to consider Division A,  Housing and Building

Mr. Gavin, A/DOS outlined the Housing and Building programme for 2015.

Following a discussion by the members and in response to their queries Ms. McConnell, SEO stated the following;

  • New builds have been non-existent for the last number of years in Sligo and long-term leasing has not proved successful as it has not helped to deal with the level of need in Sligo.
  • Tenders for works at Fr. Flanagan Terrace are due by December 9th and it is expected to start construction in the new year. The current housing stock is approximately 2,087 units with 84 currently vacant. This represents 4% of overall figure. Of this 84, 68 require minor works, 7 require major works. 26 of these have been approved for Department funding with works expected to start in December. The remaining 9 vacant units are available for letting but in low demand areas.
  • Units can be at risk of vandalism so repair works are not normally carried out now until a tenant has been selected for specific houses.
  • The Housing Assistance Payment Scheme (HAPs) will be dealing with people who are long term on the Rent Supplement Scheme, which essentially is a form of Housing Support. These people will be transferred to the Councils’ Housing List.
  • Transfers will be dealt with stringently by the Housing Department. The HAPs scheme is a new scheme and local authorities are still receiving clarifications from the Department.  The Differential Rent Scheme, due in 2015 is on hold while a rent review is being carried out. The scheme will come before the members for their consideration.
  • An up-dated Anti-Social Behaviour Scheme will also be coming before the Council in 2015.
  • It is hoped that there will be a new Tenant Purchase Scheme in 2015 but no more information is forthcoming at this time.
  • There has been some issues with Shared Ownership Scheme in Sligo and the Council are currently not accepting people onto this scheme.
  • In relation to the 3 housing grants - Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme, Mobility Aid Grant Scheme and Housing Aid for Older People all applications on hand are ready to proceed once the 2015 allocation has been received. New applications for all 3 schemes will be re-opened in January 2005.
  • Mr. Gavin, A/DOS responded to queries from the members stating the following;
  • 63% of people on the Rent Supplement Scheme have been on it for more than 18 months. It is the Social Protection Agency driving the move to HAPs and it is anticipated that its implementation will put pressure on local authority Housing Sections.
  • In all new builds radon barrier is being installed and in older units there are various different options on providing ventilation to decrease radon levels.
  • The Housing Department has committed to organising workshops for the completion of the Housing Application forms.
  • Sligo County Council currently has 466 RAS contracts, with 74 ongoing so the total RAs figure would be closer to 500. There are currently 1,083 persons on the Council Housing list but HAPs will absorb those long term on RAS.

The CE, Mr. Hayes suggested to the members that HAPs be discussed further at the Housing SPC and a full report be brought back to the members.

 

The Cathaoirleach resumed the Chair at 11.45am.

 

The Members proceeded to consider Division B, Roads, Transportation and Safety

Mr. Kilfeather, DOS outlined the Roads, Transportation and Safety programme for 2015. Mr Kilfeather paid tribute to the Road Design team for their work on the N4 Castlebaldwin to Collooney Dual Carriageway which progressed through An Bord Pleanála and through oral hears in 2014.

The members discussed the programme and in response to their queries Mr.  Kilfeather stated the following;

  • The early indication is that funding will not hold up 2015 works on the N4 project.
  • The NRA are looking at design plans for the next stage of the Hughes Bridge project which is a positive sign. Figures inserted in the draft Budget are 2014 figures as Sligo has not received its 2015 allocation yet.
  • Pressure will continue on Irish Water to progress works on O’Connell Street.
  • In response to further queries from the members Mr Brennan, SE stated the following;
  • An application for 2015 funding for the R284 has already been submitted.
  • Maintenance is the current focus for the R294 as funding for major works is not expected in 2015.
  • Sligo County Council has applied for funding for specific sections of the N59 where conditions are particularly bad but there is currently no major realignment scheme planned.

 

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.45pm

 

The meeting resumed at 2.45pm

 

WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES:

Mr. Kilfeather gave an overview of the role of the local authority in relation to water and wastewater services. These now fall under control of Irish Water but expenditure is listed under Table F – Division C on pages 140-141 of the Budget Book.

Following a discussion by the members Mr Kilfeather responded to their queries as follows;

  • All issues in relation to the Strandhill/Grange/Tubbercurry Bundle Scheme have been resolved and it should now be ready to go to tender.
  • It is hoped that the scheme for Rosses Point would also go to tender in 2015.
  • Irish Water is looking to local authorities for a saving of 7% in the Water and Wastewater Division.

 

DIVISION D: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

The Members proceeded to consider Division D, Development Management

Mr J. Murphy, A/DOS outlined the Development Management programme for 2015.

The members discussed Division D and had some queries on various figures. In response to these queries Ms M. Leydon, HoF clarified the following figures;

D501 - Increase due to following funding –

Immigrants Association - €2,000

Sligo Market Forum - Now combined former Borough Council with County Council

Tourism Development - €32,500

Knock Airport West - €55,000

Golf Tournament - €50,000

Yeats 2015 Programme - €25,000

In relation to the proposed expenditure on Ireland West Airport, the CE advised that a ‘Due Diligence’ report had been commissioned  which would examine the benefits or otherwise of entering into a partnership to support the facility.

The CE noted that the proposed Golf Tournament in conjunction with Mayo County Council had the potential to generate very positive exposure, particularly at international level.

D502 - Relates to public walkways such as Border Uplands Project

D601 - Relates to additional salary costs for PPN and LCDCs.

Mr F. Moylan, A/Senior Planner clarified the following;

D201 - The amalgamation led to the County Council absorbing the costs of former Sligo Borough Planning salaries. The County Development Plan will also be under review from 2015 and there are certain assessments which will need to be carried out, such as flood risk assessments and housing needs assessment. Some of these can be done inhouse but there will be a need for certain specialist input which will need to be outsourced. Following a discussion, it was agreed that this element of the work programme would be deferred until 2016.

 

DIVISION E: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

The Members proceeded to consider Division E, Environmental Services

Mr T. Kilfeather, DOS outlined the Environmental Services programme for 2015.

Responding to queries from the members Mr. Kilfeather stated the following;

  • The Green Schools campaign has been assigned some funding and with the return of the Environmental Awareness Officer there will be increased activity in this area.
  • Irish Water is looking at public water pumps in villages but a decision to meter these or turn them off has not yet being made.

DIVISION F: RECREATION AND AMENITY

The Members proceeded to consider Division F, Recreation and Amenity

Mr T. Kilfeather, DOS outlined the funding for Parks and Leisure facilities under this programme for 2015.

Mr J. Murphy, A/DOS outlined funding for the Library Service under this Division.

Following a discussion by the members the CE Mr Hayes stated that the Council had tried to maintain community grants at the same level as previous years. He advised referring the issue to the SPC to formulate a policy on the allocation of the grants and with such a policy reverting to the full Council for approval.

Mr D. Tinney, County Librarian clarified that the increase in the museum funding is for the replacement of windows at the front of the building and to facilitate programmes and exhibitions for Yeats 150 in 2015.

 

DIVISION G: AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE

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

In response to some queries from the members on this Division Mr. Kilfeather, DOS, stated the following;

  • Options for funding the Offshore Dumping Licence will be explored
  • Any scheme involving works at Rosses Point Pier would have to be approved by An Bord Pleanála as this is in a special area of conservation.

 

DIVISION H: MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

There was no discussion on Division H, Miscellaneous Services.

 

The Cathaoirleach, with agreement from the members adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes to consider submitted resolutions.

The meeting resumed at 5.05pm

 

Mr. Colreavy, the Meeting Administrator proceeded to read out the resolutions in the order they were received through the course of the meeting

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“That the draft Work Force Plan be circulated to the elected members of the Council.”

The CE, Mr. Hayes advised the members that he was currently not in a position to circulate a copy of the Plan as it is only at draft stage and there are still some sensitive issues relating to staff which need to be resolved.

He also advised that he was currently engaged in discussions with the Unions regarding the plan and he did not wish to compromise the discussions by releasing the document.

Mr. Hayes confirmed that a copy of the plan would be circulated to the members as soon as it is approved.

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“That this Council, recognising the increasing numbers of applicants seeking local authority housing; and further recognising that the state is now faced with a housing crisis, calls on the Government to provide sufficient funding under the Social Housing Investment Programme to allow the Council to implement a realistic Social Housing Programme.”

 

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

“That Sligo County Council agrees to increase the funding in Division B under the heading – ‘Council’s Own Resource Contribution to Roadworks Programme’ – by €100,000; such funds to be matched by reducing H0303 – ‘Refunds and Irrecoverable Rates’ – by a similar amount.”

Councillors Gormley and Clarke agreed to defer this motion until later in the meeting as there was a similar motion submitted.

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor S. Mac Manus

AND AGREED

“In the interest of openness and transparency this Council resolves that the travel and subsistence expenses and other expenses paid to elected councillors and to senior council officials (Grade 7 and equivalents upwards) be posted on the Council website on an annual basis.”

Ms. Leydon, HOF advises the meeting that all staff travel and subsistence claims have to be signed off on and are also examined by the Local Government Auditor.

The Council will have to consult the Data Protection Officer on staff expense claims to determine the appropriateness of releasing the data.

 

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“To reduce ‘Tourism Promotion – D0501’ by €50,000 and provide these funds into ‘F0404 – Recreational Development’ (matching funds + €50,000)

 

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“To reduce ‘Tourism Promotion - D0501’ by €10,000, reduce ‘Economic Development & Promotion - D0905’ (BMW Arrears) by €12,000 and reduce ‘Forward Planning Statutory Plans and Policy - D0101’ by €50,000. Use these funds to provide for Sligo Airport in D0501 - Tourism Promotion + €10,000; provide for Wild Atlantic Way - Tourism Promotion - D0501 + €12,500 and provide for ‘Local Roads General Maintenance Works – B0405’ + €50,000.”

Mr. Moylan, A/Senior Planner advised the members that the €50,000 figure under ‘Forward Planning Statutory Plans and Policy - D0101’ refers to funding for the County Development Plan Review. As he outlined earlier there would be a need for certain specialist input such as for a Retail Strategy and he would recommend keeping that €50,000 on the Planning budget.

Following discussion, it was agreed that a figure of €50,000 would be included the 2016 Budget for specialist input into the County Development Plan review.

 

Proposed by Councillor S. Mac Manus
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

“That Sligo County Council agrees to increase ‘Programme F0204 - Purchase of Books, CDs etc’ by €30,000; such funding to be achieved by increasing income in ‘Programme B0901 – Maintenance and Management of Car Parks’ by a similar sum.”

The members had a discussion on this motion and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote.

Councillor Kilgannon requested an Amendment and that the members vote on the Amendment to Councillor Mac Manus’s motion first.

Following further discussion the Cathaoirleach called for a vote on the Amendment which reads as follows:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

“We wish to amend the resolution from Councillor Mac Manus and Councillor Healy re increase of €30,000 for the purchase of books to read €5,000.”

For: Baker, Keaney, Kilgannon, Lundy, Maguire, Mac Sharry, Mulvey, O’Grady, Queenan, Scanlon & Taylor.

Against: Bree, Gormley, Healy, Mac Manus & O’Boyle.

Abstain: Casserly & Clarke.

As the result was 11 For, 5 Against and 2 Abstentions the Cathoairleach declared the Amendment  carried.

This then became the substantive motion and was Agreed.

 

At this point Councillor Gormley agrees to withdraw an earlier motion submitted in relation to Local Road maintenance.

Having considered the Draft Budget and as agreement could not be reached the Cathaoirleach called for a vote to adopt the budget.

Therefore it was;

Proposed by Councillor R. O’Grady
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December, 2015 as submitted by the County Manager, and as amended at this meeting, as set out in Tables A, B & C of the said Budget.”           

For: Baker, Keaney, Kilgannon, Lundy, Maguire, Mac Sharry, Mulvey, O’Grady, Queenan, Scanlon & Taylor.

Against: Bree, Clarke, Gormley, Healy, Mac Manus & O’Boyle.

Abstain: Casserly.

As the result was 11 For, 6 Against and 1 Abstention the Cathoairleach declared the motion carried.

 

RATEABLE VALUATION:

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December 2015, 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 2015.  The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €66.95.”

Councillor Clarke asked to be recorded as dissenting from this motion.

 

CATHAOIRLEACH’S ALLOWANCE:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €20,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January 2015.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”

 

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH’S ALLOWANCE:

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

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Leas-Cathaoirleach be fixed at €4,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January 2015.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas-Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”

 

MAYOR OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ALLOWANCE:

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

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Mayor of the Municipal District of Sligo be fixed at €12,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January 2015.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Mayor within Municipal District of Sligo.”

 

CHAIR OF MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ALLOWANCE:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry be fixed at €6,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January 2015.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within Municipal District of Ballymote-Tobercurry.”

 

CAPITAL PROGRAMME:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the County Manager’s report on the proposed three year Capital Programme 2015 – 2017.” (pages 121 – 124 Budget Book)

 

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Caroline, Serena & Debbie O’Grady on the death of their mother, Marian O’Grady”

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Loretta Leonard on the death of her mother, Maureen Leonard.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Aine Mitchell on the death of her mother, Kathleen McManamy.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jean Boyers on the death of her husband, David Boyers.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Sean Gorman on the death of his sister, Josie O’Keeffe.”

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Jimmy Deehan on the death of his mother, Bridget Deehan.”

 

VOTE OF CONGRATULATIONS:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor H. Keaney

AND AGREED

“That a Vote of Congratulations be extended to Coolaney-Mullinabreena GAA club on winning the Senior Division 2 League title.”

 

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the staff for their work in preparing the budget and he thanked the members for their input and consideration of the 2015 Budget.

 

The meeting concluded at 5.50pm

 


Meeting Date 24/11/2014