Budget Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Budget Meeting held on 17th December, 2012 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 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
  • Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, A/Senior Engineer
  • Mr Seamus O’Toole, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Pat Doyle, Project Engineer
  • Mr Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
  • Ms Micheala Davidescu, A/Senior Executive Planner
  • Mr Conal Colleary, County Vet  
  • Ms Eithne Garvin, Administrative Officer
  • Ms Dolores McDonagh, Administrative Officer
  • Mr Fergus MacNabb, Meetings Administrator
  • Ms Marian McGovern, Clerical Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor V. Cawley presided.

A number of motions were handed to the Cathaoirleach at the outset of the meeting. It was agreed to deal with all motions after the members had considered the Budget and that the motions would be taken in the order they were received.

Mr. H. Kearns, the County Manager outlined the main points in preparing the 2013 Draft Budget as follows:

  • Estimated expenditure for 2012 is €56.2m which is a decrease of €6.7m or 11% on the 2012 figure.
  • The situation with the Irish economy is stabilising and following the passage of the National Budget for 2013 it is estimated that the Government will have made about 85% of the required fiscal adjustment necessary to reach the 3% GDP borrowing requirement in 2015.
  • Economic growth remains weak with only a projected 1.5% growth rate in 2013. Employment levels are predicted to remain flat for 2013 averaging at 14.8%.
  • As the Council obtains most of its income from Central Government it is clear that the difficulties being faced by Government will be reflected in continued reduced funding to the Council.
  • Regarding the Household Charge, Sligo has one of the highest compliance rates in the country and the Manager thanked those who had paid the charge to date.
  • The NPPR charge is currently an important source of revenue for the Council amounting to circa €750,000 per annum.
  • The Property tax will be introduced in July 2013 to replace the Household Charge and the NPPR in 2014 and will include a discretionary element which will be an important discretionary power for Council members.
  • Payroll still represents the largest element of cost in the Council Budget and the Manager outlines the savings made in this regard since 2008. The Council is still awaiting approval of a Voluntary Redundancy Scheme which is likely to come early in 2013.
  • The Manager outlines other cost reduction measures in rental and running costs of buildings, revised energy usage, stationery and telephony services, cleaning and building maintenance, and procurement of services and shared services.
  • A mandatory National Procurement tender will lead to an increase in energy costs by circa 22% in 2013.
  • The Manager highlights the continued financial burden of the Water Services Programme which was also considered in the Grant Thornton Report showing Sligo to having the highest deficit per capita on the water programme of all the councils in the country. As water services will be transformed by the emergence of Irish Water the basic situation remains that the current funding model is unsustainable and requires attention at national level.
  • The Manager outlines programmes in the areas of roads, water and walking and cycling infrastructure hoped to be progressed in 2013.
  • The Manager indicates that the Local Government Fund is actually higher than predicted in the Draft Budget and he recommends that the extra funding of €414,000 be allocated to the Revenue Deficit Account.
  • The Manager also indicates that there is a provision in the Budget for the ‘Taking in Charge’ of estates.
  • The Manager concludes his overview by recommending that the commercial rate remain unchanged at €64.43 for 2013, to increase the waste water charge by 7 cents. There is no proposed increase to the water charge, which results in a recommended charge for water and waste water of €2.49 per cubic metre for 2013.

 

Following Mr Kearns’ the members had a discussion and in response to their queries the Manager stated the following;

  • The Voluntary Redundancy Scheme is proposed in the recent public service reform document, ‘Putting People First’  and a case has been made that funding for such a scheme should come from Central Government.
  • The Council are embarking on a new work programme plan where the staff profile is being looked at.

 

Ms Leydon, Head of Finance responded to further queries from the members:

  • There is less than 5 full-time staff working on the collection of the Household Charge and NPPR, due to some staff work sharing arrangements.
  • The extra amount extra received through the LGF Grant is €414,802.
  • The database of the Property regulation Authority was used in the collection of the NPPR and Household charge. This database has thrown up errors and this is a national issue.

 

 

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 2013.

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

 

  • In relation the RAS Scheme up to November 2012 48 contracts had been signed.
  • There have been discussions between the Department and local authorities on proposed changes in the Housing Grants but there has been no formal confirmation in writing although indications are that funding will be reduced significantly and that the matched funding will be decreased from 20% to 10%.
  • The figure of €997,000 was for the County Council Housing Grant applicants. Funding for the County at large will be introduced from 2013 onwards.
  • Applications on hand are 14 No. Disability Persons Grant, 2 No. Mobility Grant Aid and 22 No. Elderly Persons Grant.
  • Up to the end of November 2012 €712,000 of the full allocation had been spent and a final report would be circulated to the members at the year end. Ms Clarke pointed out that the Housing Department could not draw down funding if they had not received claims from applicants. Also to clarify, once a grant has been approved payment will be honoured.
  • The Tenant Purchase Scheme will cease at the end of 2012 and an Incremental Purchase Scheme is proposed from 2013 but no further details are available at this time.
  • Radon testing was carried out on a total of 100 Social Houses with work being carried out on 12 of those tested. These works cost in the region of €1,000 - €1,400.
  • Subject to approval extensive refurbishing works will be carried out at the Ballyfree halting site. The projected figures for these works, €830,000 in included in the Capital Works Programme on page 79.

 

The County Manager, Mr Kearns also clarified that local authorities would be liable for the Property Tax on social houses. The department are currently undergoing a Rent Review nationally and clarification will be needed on how the Property tax will be dealt with under this review.

 

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 and in response to queries Mr Kilfeather stated that no outdoor staff would be replaced due to the current embargo on recruitment. However, the introduction of Social Employment Schemes indicates that some 3,000 people will be availing of these on a national level and this could be a factor in the work programme for 2013.

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

  • Funding for works on Hughes Bridge in Sligo town was expected in the next 1-2 years and in relation to the Western Distributor Road funding was not expected in the short-term.
  • While plans for major realignment on the N17 have been shelved smaller schemes are being considered in the short-term. These would be located on the Curry side of Tubbercurry, Cashel Gates and North of Ballinacarrow.

 

DIVISION C:  WATER SERVICES

The Members proceeded to consider Division C, Water Services.

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

The members had various questions regarding the Water Services Division. Mr Kilfeather advised that he would respond to some as would A/Senior Engineer Mr D. Harrison.

Mr Kilfeather indicated that the funding for the Sligo Town Water Conservation Project is not lost. The Council were not in a position to sign contracts for the project until the 2013 Budget was in place. He also stated that other local authorities were in a similar position in providing matching funding.

In response to other queries Mr Harrison stated that,

  • The North Sligo well was developed as a back up to the North Sligo Water Supply following the severe water shortages following prolonged dry spells.
  • In relation to Lough Talt Scheme an Extraction Study is currently being carried out and this will determine whether South Sligo can be supplied by this scheme.
  • The works on Castle Street, Sligo consist of watermain replacement which was carried out under the roads programme.

 

DIVISION D:  DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

The Members proceeded to consider Division D, Development Management.

Ms PR. Gallagher, A/Director of Services gave an overview of the Development Management Division.

Following a discussion by the members and in response to their queries Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services stated the following;

  • The breakdown of a figure of €9,000 under D0501 is €5,000 to Sligo Marketing Forum and €4,000 to the Immigrant Association as 2013 will be the year of ‘The Gathering’.
  • The reduction of the figure under D0601 is due to staff movement from the Community and Enterprise section, changes in the organisation of the County Development Board and funding for the Border Regional Authority and the Border and Midland Regional Authority has been moved to Section H, Miscellaneous Services.
  • There is no provision in the Draft Budget for ‘Sligo Live’ in 2013.

 

Mr J. Murphy, Senior Executive Officer responded to queries from the members, stating,

  • To date about half a million in Development Contributions has been received by the Council in 2012.
  • There are 30 ‘Taking in Charge’ applications currently being processed.
  • There is currently no funding available for demolition of condemned properties and there is no indication from Central Government that such funding would become available.

Ms Gallagher responded to a query on the heritage funding, stating that the cut in the Heritage Budget was all discretionary funding and the knock on effect would mean less projects being carried out by the Heritage Office and there would be no Heritage Grants available in 2013.

The County Manager, Mr Kearns confirmed that a number of payments to various organisations were deferred in 2012. Discussions have been held with some of these bodies to reduce payments but many of these payments are being deferred in 2013 also.

 

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 outlines funding for the Civil Defence and Fire Services.

Mr Kilfeather confirms that life guard cover will be provided in 2013.

Ms Gallagher confirms that there are 19 sites listed on the Derelict Sites register, this represents an addition of 3 to the list.

 

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;

  • A figure of €20,000 has been included for an archivist and this is included in the Operation of Library Service heading.
  • If all the register Burial Ground Committees apply for funding there will be a total of €200 for each group.
  • Ms Clarke gave the members a breakdown of grants to community groups and festivals as follows:

 

 

Tidy Towns

Tidy Towns

 €4,000
Burial Grounds €13,000
Matched Funding (Breakdown Below)

€25,000
Infrastructure €10,000
Tourism €10,000
Volunteer Centre €5,000
The Model €100,000
Blue Raincoat Theatre €15,000
Hawk’s Well €10,000
Choral Festival €1,000
County Sligo Fleadh €1,000
Feis Shligigh €500
Sligo Feis Ceoil €500
Ballintogher Trad Festival €500
South Sligo Summer School €500
Coleman Festival €500
James Morrison Weekend €500

 

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.

Following a discussion by the members Mr P. Doyle, Project Engineer stated the following;

  • An environmental report has been prepared detailing the impacts of the proposed works. It has been established from An Bord Pleanála that planning permission is now not required. A licence application to the Foreshore Unit of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government will now be prepared. In light of the financial difficulties it is intended to include a maintenance proposal as part of this submission as an interim solution. This would include dredging on the 2 jetties. One is 70m long, the other 55m and also a turning circle has to be dredged. The options for this work are being investigated at the moment and the estimated cost is €100,000.
  • The floating pontoon is operating at full capacity during the year which is about 30 boats. As of yet no decision has been reached on investigating an extension to the pontoon in the future.

 

DIVISION H:  MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

There were no queries from the members regarding this division. 

 

DIVISION J:  CENTRAL MANAGEMENT CHARGES

The members paid tribute to the Customer Service desk and Corporate and Information Services for their help and assistance throughout the year.

As a large number of motions had been handed up to the top table the Cathaoirleach agreed to adjourn the meeting at 4.25pm for 10 minutes to allow the members to consider these motions.

 

RESOLUTIONS ARISING FROM BUDGET MEETING:

The members had a discussion on the order in which to take the motions. Councillor Bree indicated that if the first motion proposed by Councillor Leonard is passed it rules many of the following motions out of order. Councillor Leonard agrees to defer his motion until the end in order that the members can consider all other motions.

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

Motion 2

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“Any motions proposing additional spending or transfer of funding must identify the source of the funding.”

 

Motion 3

Proposed by Councillor H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“All motions which have a financial implication be considered at the end of the consideration of the Draft Budget.”

 

Motion 4

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

“That Sligo County Council agrees to increase Programme D0501 ‘Tourism Promotion’ by €25,000; such funding to be matched by taking a similar sum from the LGF General Purpose Allocation 2013 as notified by the Department on December 6th, 2012.”

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

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

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

As the result was 9 For, 15 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 5

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

“That Sligo County Council agrees to increase programme F0401 ‘Recreational Development’ by €20,000; such funding 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 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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 6

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

“That expenditure on Community Grants (Table F) be maintained at last years level of €126,500 and that the additional funding of €109,500 be taken from the LGF General Purpose Grant Allocation 2013 as notified by the Department on the 6th December, 2012.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 7

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

“That the expenditure for the purchase of books in Table F be increased to €35,000 and that said increase (amounting to an additional €25,000) be taken from the LGF General Purpose Grant Allocation 2013 as notified by the Department on the 6th December, 2012.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 8

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

“That the sum of money provided for parks, pitches and open spaces (Table F) be retained at last years level of €60,300 and that the additional funding of €20,000 be taken from the LGF General Purpose Grant Allocation 2013 as notified by the Department on the 6th December, 2012.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 9

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

“That the sum of money provided for the operation of the museum (Table F) be maintained at last years level of €68,190 and that the additional funding of €18,266 be taken from the LGF General Purpose Grant Allocation 2013 as notified by the Department on the 6th December, 2012.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 10

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

“That the expenditure included in Division A in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and people with a disability be maintained at last years level of 995,000, particularly taking into consideration the expectation that recoupment from the Department will increase to 90%, and that the 99,500 local contribution be taken from the LGF General Purpose Grant Allocation 2013 as notified by the Department on the 6th December, 2012; and that a corresponding figure be included in the income table.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 11

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

“That the expenditure for Local Road Maintenance (from Council’s own resources) in Division B, be increased by €100,000 and that the said increase be taken from the LGF General Purpose Grant Allocation 2013 as notified by the Department on the 6th December, 2012.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 12

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

“With the increased allocation of €414,802, Sligo County Council agrees to allocate €235,000 for expenditure items in the Estimates and the balance to be used in the capital account to relieve the Council debt.”

With the agreement of the meeting this motion was withdrawn.

 

Motion 13

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

“Sligo County Council increase the allocation of ‘Match Funding’ to the sum of €50,000 so that it enables the delivery of projects supported by match funding in 2013. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation of the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 14

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

“Sligo County Council allocates an additional sum of €50,000 for Disabled Persons Grants. This will generate a fund for the Council of €500,000, to be used for house conversion for the disabled population in Sligo. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

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, McGrath, McLoughlin, Mullaney, Mulvey and Murray.

As the result was 10 For, 13 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 15

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

“Sligo County Council recognise the great work done by Team Sligo in promoting Sligo as a tourist destination. Sligo County Council agrees to an allocation of €10,000 to assist with the 2013 campaign. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 16

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

“Recognising the important role played by Sligo Tourism Ltd. formerly known as Marketing Sligo Forum, Sligo County Council agrees to the allocation of a sum of €10,000 to support the running costs of the forum. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 17

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

“Sligo County Council agrees to allocate ‘Sligo Live’ Festival a sum of €15,000 to assist with the 2013 Sligo Live Festival. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

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

For: Baker, Barry, 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.

Abstain: Bree.

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

 

Motion 18

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan

“Sligo County Council increases the fund for essential housing repairs by €40,000. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 19

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

“Recognising the paltry sum allocated to the Book Fund for the Library Services in the 2013 Estimates, Sligo County Council agrees to increase the Library Book Fund by €20,000. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 20

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

“Recognising the importance of the Sligo International Choral festival to the local economy, Sligo County Council agrees to increase the allocation to the festival by €5,000. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 21

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

Sligo County Council agrees to the allocation of €5,000 to the County Sligo Fleadh. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 22

Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor D. Healy McGowan

“Sligo County Council agrees to allocation a sum of €5,000 to Feis Shligigh. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

With the agreement of the meeting this motion was withdrawn.

 

Motion 23

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“Recognising the tourist and cultural impact of the Ballintogher Traditional Festival, Sligo County Council agrees to allocate the sum of €5,000 to help defray some of the costs of the festival. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation received in the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 24

Proposed by Councillor J. Lundy
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

“Recognising the cultural and tourist impact of the South Sligo Summer School, Sligo County Council allocates an increased sum of €5,000 for the hosting of the festival. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation of the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 25

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“Recognising the cultural and tourist impact of the Coleman Traditional Festival, Sligo County Council agrees to the allocation of a sum of €5,000 to help defray the costs associated with the festival. The sum to be taken from the increased allocation of the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 26

Proposed by Councillor M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“Recognising the cultural and tourist impact of the James Morrison Weekend, Sligo County Council allocates a sum of €5,000 to help defray the costs of hosting the festival. The sum to be taken from the increase in the LGF.”

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, 14 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 27

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

“Reduce the Model and Niland Gallery by the sum of €20,000 to increase the Disabled Person Grant by €20,000.”

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, Mullaney, Mulvey and Murray.

As the result was 10 For, 13 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion defeated.

 

Motion 1

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

“That the Draft Budget 2013, as presented be adopted subject to the following amendment:

that the income of €13,169,505 from the Local Government Fund included in Statutory Table A (page 86)of the Draft Budget be amended to €13,584,307 which is the actual income figure from the Fund as notified by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government in Circular Letter Fin 13/2012 of December 6th 2012 and the additional income of €414,802  arising be included under the provision for a ‘Debit Balance’ in the said Table A’”

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, Lundy, MacManus and Queenan.

As the result was 14 For, 10 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

 

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

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending 31st December, 2013 as submitted by the County Manager, and as amended at this meeting, as set out in Tables A, B and C of the said Budget.”

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

As the result was 14 For, 9 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

 

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

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December 2013, 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 2013.  The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €64.43.”

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

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

Against: Baker,Barry, Clarke, Devins, Gormley, Lundy, MacManus and Queenan.

As the result was 16 For, 8 Against and no Abstentions the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

 

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

AND AGREED

“To note the County Manager’s report on the proposed three year Capital Programme 2013 – 2015.” (pages 79 -81 Budget Book)

 

Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €37,500 per annum with effect from the 1st January 2013.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo.”

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Cawley
Seconded by Councillor M. Lyons

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for An Leas-Cathaoirleach be fixed at €9,375 per Annum with effect from the 1st January 2013.  This allowance is to be paid in two instalments in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas-Cathaoirleach.”

 

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor D. Mulvey
Seconded by Councillor T. Collery

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Bernadette Casey on the death of her mother, Teresa Casey.”

 

The Cathaoirleach thanked members and staff for their work throughout the year.

 

END OF MEETING:

The meeting ended at 5.30pm

 

 

 


Meeting Date 17/12/2012