Budget Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Annual Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 23rd November, 2015 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
  • Ms Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
  • Mr Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
  • Ms Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
  • Mr Bartley Gavin, Acting Director of Services
  • Mr John Reilly, Head of Enterprise, L.E.O.
  • Ms Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
  • Mr Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
  • Mr Frank Moylan, Acting Senior Planner
  • Mr Fineen O’Driscoll, Acting Senior Engineer
  • Mr Michael Ryan, Senior Executive Engineer
  • Mr Donal Tinney, County Librarian
  • Ms Maura Hegarty, Administrative Officer
  • Ms Caroline Conmy, Administrative Officer
  • Mr Kevin Colreavy, Meeting Administrator
  • Ms Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

 

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady presided.

 

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

At the outset, the Cathaoirleach, on her own behalf and on behalf of the Members, extended a vote of sympathy to Mr. Paddy Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer, on the death of his mother, Mary Patricia.

Sympathy was also extended to the family of Martin Igoe, a member of staff in the Tubbercurry area who passed away this week.  Martin was due to retire on 1st December. 

The Chief Executive, on his own behalf and on behalf of the Staff, wished to be associated with the expressions of sympathy.

 

2016 DRAFT BUDGET:

In opening the meeting, the Cathaoirleach thanked Members and Staff for attending what is one of the most important meetings of the year, the Annual Budget meeting.

The Cathaoirleach said she looked forward to a detailed, thorough debate on every aspect of the finances as Sligo County Council prepares for a very challenging 2016.  The backdrop to the meeting is the Financial Plan and this would inform the Members’ discussions as they aimed to achieve the restoration of financial discipline over the course of the Plan.

In presenting the 2016 Budget of €62 million, the Chief Executive advised that it was largely informed by the Financial Plan as submitted to the Department.  In drafting the Budget, he had regard to the need to

  • produce a €2.3 million surplus in 2016
  • continue the structural change within the Council in order to continue service provision with diminishing resources
  • reduce expenditure and increase income in all areas
  • be consistent with the requirements of the Council Members when requesting the submission of a viable financial plan to the Department
  • reduce the legacy debt on an ongoing basis.

Furthermore, the Members were advised of the latest criteria imposed by the Department whereby the granting of the additional €1 million is conditional on the annual audit of accounts with a consequent increase in the level of oversight.  The latest criteria would also mean payment of the €1 million would be deferred to the latter end of each year.

Ms. M. Whelan, Head of Finance, referred to page 4 of the Budget book and the €2.3 million surplus from the Financial Plan submitted to the Department now provided for in this Budget 2016.  Ms. Whelan pointed out that the Rates budget now included is at a figure of €13.2 million incorporating all vacant properties rated that had not been in the €11.2 million from 2015 and before.  A corresponding increase is included of €1.2 million under Bad Debt provision; administration expenses.  The Department wanted to see this clearly reflected along with the increase in the bad debt provision sought by the Department. 

Ms. Whelan advised members that there is a large figure on payroll expenditure.  The redeployments to date, retirements in 2016 and a reduction in acting allowances have all been taken into account.  Additional redeployment is required in the context of what was submitted for the Financial Plan and some salaries going from the Revenue account to Capital Projects.  These figures have been included in the Budget.  The further measure sought by Sligo County Council for a three year career break has not been approved to date.

In reply to some queries raised, Members’ attention was drawn to specific figures within tables in the draft Budget and Ms. Whelan gave an outline of what the Council is committed to with the Department.

 

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

“That this Council, noting the significant reduction in income to local authorities arising from the recent decision of the Commissioner for Valuation to revise the global valuation on energy and telecommunications utilities, calls on the Government and the Minister for the Environment to make good the shortfall in funding arising from the revaluation”.

Councillor MacManus, in referring to the context of rates where bad debt provision had been made, enquired how it was envisaged that this would affect the overall document. 

Several Members referred to the cut in valuations for utility providers and how this would impact on the Council’s finances.

In reply to queries raised by the Members, the Chief Executive confirmed to the meeting that

  1. Due to the impact on the sector, the global valuation of utilities undertaken by the Valuation Office is a matter which is being addressed at national level at present.
  2. In relation to the Financial Plan, part of the discussions and negotiations with the Department is that Sligo County Council will not be held responsible for the same surplus if we had a decreased income that is not of our making.  This has been accepted verbally to date.
  3. The Chief Executive clarified that the extra €1 million in the L.G.F. is now tied into the audit of the Council’s accounts.  Members’ attention was drawn to pages 8 and 9 of the draft budget book (Circular letter Fin 07/2015) – the provisional Local Property Tax allocation of €9.993 million for Sligo County Council in 2016.
  4. There had been no mention previously that acceptance of the Financial Plan had been contingent on the Audit of Accounts for 2014 and that this was a recently added criteria.
  5. The Financial Plan has been recommended to the Minister for acceptance on the basis that €1 million will be paid subject to the audit of the accounts.  This money will not be paid out on a quarterly basis but will be paid out at the end of the year when the Department is satisfied with the audit.
  6. In relation to an enquiry as to whether the Council can work on the basis of the €9.9 million allocation, Mr. Hayes advised the Members that this ties the entire Council into the provisions of the Financial Plan.  It was further confirmed that the Plan will inform the Budget for the next 5 years, not just 2016.
  7. It was clarified that one of the major difficulties in formulating a Financial Plan over the last two years was determining the financial commitment of the Council’s main financier, i.e. the Department.  In this regard, commitments were only given on an annual basis.
  8. The value of Teach Laighne to the local community is known and understood and it is intended to keep it open if at all possible.  In this regard, a Pilot Project is being advanced with the Vehicle Registration Unit, Shannon on innovative ways of delivering the Motor Tax service.
  9. There is a focus on the main urban area but this will not be to the detriment of the rural areas in Sligo.  Sligo Borough Council had that focus in the past.  Sligo County Council did not have to focus on the urban area.  The importance of now doing so was highlighted but the County Council will not lose sight of the rural areas as had been claimed.

Ms. Whelan reiterated that clarity is being sought at a national level in relation to the global valuation of utilities undertaken by the Valuation Office. 

Six or seven utilities would be due to receive new valuations with a decreased income for Sligo of approximately €192,000.  However, until clarification is received, Ms. Whelan is not in a position to issue material on that basis.

Heads of Finance nationally are in the Budget process at present and this will have a serious impact on some counties and the details and dates of the appeal process were advised to the members.

The Chief Executive again confirmed, in reply to a query, that Sligo County Council has an obligation under the Financial Plan to come up with a €2.3 million surplus.  His concern is if something happens over which the Council has no control, the onus should not fall back on the Council to make up that gap. 

 

It was proposed by Councillor T. Healy
Seconded by Councillor S. MacManus

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council calls on Central Government to bridge the financial gap caused by the net reduction in Global Valuation of Commercial Rates on Utilities Companies on an annual basis”.

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

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”.

 

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

AND AGREED

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

 

DIVISION A: HOUSING AND BUILDING:

Mr. Gavin, A/DOS outlined the Housing and Building programme for 2016 and referred, in particular to the

  • Iincreased demand for housing,
  • Introduction of the new H.A.P. system (Housing Assistance Payment)
  • Social housing investment programme. 
  • Reduction of 6 staff members by year end in the Section
  • Reliance on marketplace becoming more difficult
  • 39 voids returned to use in the current year
  • 624 units upgraded this year
  • Grant applications had remained open all year with €1.2 million of grants processed to date.
  • Difficulty with Applicants getting work done for Council to draw down the money.
  • Inspections for P.R.T.B. (600 inspections by year end) and now H.A.P. commencing
  • Regional Authority for Homelessness
  • Cranmore Regeneration work on development of Masterplan and
  • Implementation of programme with reduced staff.

In reply to further queries raised by Members, Mr. Gavin and Ms. McConnell advised the meeting that

  • Comments made by Members in relation to the work of his staff were appreciated, as is their assistance.
  • Consideration would be given to carrying out inspections on all types of grants, as received, rather than focusing on one specific type.
  • One off houses can be very slow to get through the system due their bespoke nature.
  • The “Improvements in lieu” Scheme is still in operation and Mr. Gavin said he would try to incorporate it into the work programme for 2016.
  • The Housing Assistance Programme (H.A.P.) commenced on 16th November but will progress from 1st January next when Tenants will be referred to Sligo County Council from the Department of Social Protection.
  • 39 voids had been refurbished – the initial application was for 15 and this was increased during the year by a further 24.  It was hoped that the impact will be visible in the community.
  • Further details were given in relation to works at Fr. O’Flanagan Terrace, Maugheraboy, Strandhill Road and Strandhill.
  • In relation to homes for independent living, Mr. Gavin confirmed that properties designed or acquired are for universal access.
  • Houses at Lower Abbey Street would be examined in relation to insulation.
  • Report will be furnished to the Members in relation to expenditure in Cranmore.
  • Cleaning of site on Strandhill road would be examined.

In reply to a further query, Ms. Whelan clarified figures set out on Table F. 

 

DIVISION B: ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY

Mr. Kilfeather, DOS outlined the Roads, Transportation and Safety programme for 2016 based on tables on pages 49-52 of the draft budget book.

The Meeting was advised that it is likely to be the end of January before details are received from the Department regarding the 2016 funding.  It was noted that funding is unlikely to be higher than in 2015.  As in previous years, the sum of €9,000 per Member has been included under B0401.

Mr. Kilfeather addressed the major capital road schemes as follows:

  • N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin
  • N16 Sligo to County boundary
  • N4/N15 Traffic Improvement Scheme (Hughes Bridge widening Scheme)
  • N4/N15 Sligo Urban Improvement Scheme.

Details regarding the National Road maintenance works and works on non national roads were highlighted.

The members thanked Mr. Kilfeather and his staff for their work and discussed various aspects of the programme.  In response to queries raised by Members, Mr. Kilfeather and Mr. Brennan gave additional details regarding:

  • N17 projects at Thornhill bridge and R294 junctions.
  • Low cost accident scheme proposals
  • Scheme for Ballygreighan to Dromore West and other proposals for N59 works
  • Hughes Bridge works
  • Councillors’ proposals
  • Areas affected by flooding
  • Requests for traffic calming at Geevagh, similar to that operating satisfactorily in Sooey village.

 

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 1.05 p.m.

 

The meeting resumed at 2.10 p.m.

 

WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES:

Mr. Kilfeather gave an overview of operation and maintenance of Water Services in accordance with the Council’s Service level Agreement with Irish Water.

The Members’ attention was drawn to page 5 of the Head of Finance’s summary.  It was outlined there that the only costs that are now contained in the Water Budget relate to payroll and the Central Management Charge (within Service Support costs), and both of these costs are fully funded by Irish Water in 2016.  The other costs within the Water Services Division for 2015 funded by Sligo County Council are C04 Public Conveniences and C05 Administration of Group and Public Installations (figures set out in table on page 21).

Mr. Kilfeather outlined details in relation to schemes at

  • Lough Talt,
  • Water conservation in Sligo town,
  • Pearse Road storm water drains,
  • Replacement of mains in O’Connell Street,
  • Sligo and Environs
  • Foxes Den
  • Tubbercurry/Grange/Ballinafad/Strandhill bundle scheme

Following a discussion by the members Mr. Kilfeather and Mr. O’Driscoll responded to queries from Members in relation to:

  • Ballintogher sewerage scheme
  • Replacement of lead pipework in the Easkey area and issue with iron in Keash areas
  • Options for water supply to the Gurteen area
  • Protection for sewerage system in Enniscrone
  • Pipework in Carraroe and Ballisodare
  • Current situation in Fivemilebourne, Calry.

Members welcomed the details provided and said it was encouraging to see the large Capital Investment Programme.

Councillor Maguire raised concerns regarding Irish Water’s new role in planning applications.  Mr. Kilfeather, agreed with the points raised and referred to the previous situation where the Council could take a more holistic view of applications.  Irish Water is taking a view that is not as well informed on local issues.  It was agreed that this matter is going to have to be addressed sooner rather than later as this Body does not have the knowledge of the county’s needs or requirements.

 

DIVISION D: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

Ms. D. Clarke, outlined the Development Management programme for 2016 which included Forward Planning, Development Management, Enforcement, Community and Economic Development and Heritage and Conservation Services.

At the outset, Ms. Clarke advised the Members that there had been a slight reduction in staffing costs in the Planning area.  In Forward Planning and Heritage, the slight increases are due to increased costs associated with the preparation of the new County Development and Heritage Plans.  The onus is also on the Local Authority to prepare a Housing and Retail strategies. 

Ms. Clarke further outlined payments to various groups including Knock and Sligo Airports, Sligo Tourism and works associated with the Wild Atlantic Way and other tourism works.  Costs associated with the L.C.D.C. and P.P.N.

The members discussed Division D and had some queries on various figures. In response to these queries Ms. Clarke clarified the following:

  • Matching funding will be required in the preparation of the Greenfort Conservation Plan.  Work is ongoing by the Council’s Heritage Officer to obtain this funding from the Heritage Council or another funding source.
  • Funding under D0905 “Economic Development and Promotion” includes the Council’s contribution to I.C.B.A.N., the Northern and Western Regional Assembly and arrears from last year.
  • Details were sought in relation to the “Site Resolution Fund”. Ms. Clarke acknowledged work carried out by Mr. Joe Murphy in this area and agreed to provide an update to the Council in relation to this fund. 

 

It was proposed by Councillor S. MacManus
Seconded by Councillor T. Healy

AND AGREED

“That a list be provided to the Council of the Estates where the Site Resolution Fund of €900,000, or 95% of same, has been used to date and how much has been spent on each Estate”.

In reply to a query raised by Councillor Bree, Ms. Clarke confirmed that a sum of €3,500 has been included under the heading for Town Twinning for a number of years.  The towns involved in twinning also fundraise themselves to put in place activities and events for when groups visit.  Ms. Clarke was not aware of any group being owed money from Sligo County Council in respect of twinning events.

The Chief Executive said he agreed with Councillor Bree that €3,500 is not enough, and in relation to monies allegedly owed, he observed that there is always an element of local funding contributed.  The Council’s fund is always just a contribution towards the costs.  Towns host these groups and often accommodate visitors in their homes on both sides. 

In relation to the suggestion that Town Twinning should cease, the Chief Executive confirmed that this is a matter for the Council.  However, his recommendation is that it would continue. 

The various types town twinning groups were discussed, some of these took place between communities and a Chamber of Commerce, e.g. Tubbercurry and Viarmes.  Others were an official town twinning between elected members, e.g. Sligo and the towns of Crozon and Kempten.

On the proposal of Councillor MacManus, congratulations were extended to the community in Strandhill on their recent award in the national “Pride of Place” competition.  The community in Grange were also congratulated on being selected for the finals of this competition.

 

DIVISION E: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Mr. T. Kilfeather outlined the details from the Environmental Services programme for 2016 on pages 70 to 72 of the draft budget book.  It was noted that Civil Defence, which is under the remit of Mr. B. Gavin, is also listed under this heading at E1001.

Among the items highlighted were

  • 2015 Brown Bin Pilot Programme – one which had recently won a national award.
  • The “Green Fleadh” initiative also won an award and congratulations were extended to Emer Concannon, Bartley Gavin and their team.
  • Costs were identified which have now moved to Irish Water.

Responding to queries from the members Mr. Kilfeather clarified the situation relating to the following:

  • Extension to Sligo Cemetery
  • Extension to Ahamlish Cemetery where discussions are ongoing in relation to a site in the area.
  • Processing of permit requests from Monumental Sculptors.
  • Burial grounds in South Sligo including Court Abbey, Mount Irwin and Monasteraden.
  • Boundary walls at Collooney Cemetery.

 

DIVISION F: RECREATION AND AMENITY

Under this Division, Ms. D. Clarke outlined funding for the Library Service, the retention of funding for archives, the conservation and indexing of material, funding towards projects, e.g. Waterpoint, community grants funding of €135,000.  €30,000 of this sum is included as a contribution to Sligo Chamber of Commerce in respect of Christmas lights and €5,000 is towards the Council’s entries in “Pride of Place”.

The decrease proposed in expenditure is reflected in the reduction in staffing costs.  It is not the intention to close any of the Council’s Libraries. 

Ms. Clarke advised the Members that, in relation to the contributions to Arts Organisations and Community Groups, it is intended that there will be an open call for applications.  At present, Ms. Mary McDonagh in the Arts Office is working on the application process.  If funding is approved, Ms. Clarke indicated that it will then be possible to move to have that call for applications opened.

Further areas of interest to the Members addressed by Ms. Clarke were

  • F0401 – Community Grants – funding there to match funds in 2016, with the announcement of more capital funding coming on stream.  It is hoped to be in a position to lever a lot more funding for Sligo with these matching funds.
  • Year 3 of the Diaspora Programme.
  • Volunteer Centre included under this heading.
  • Ireland 2016 programme.
  • Leader programme.
  • Tourism initiatives.

Mr. T. Kilfeather referred to the heading F03 – Outdoor Leisure Areas Operations.  In relation to the slight decrease in this sum, this is in relation to the surplus of €2.3 million required.  The Head of Finance has had to make a small reduction in the amount.

Members welcomed the number of areas being covered under this heading, having regard to the constraints. 

Following queries from Members, the following matters were clarified:

  • The situation regarding Sligo Cemetery extension will be clarified and the Members advised.
  • To date, the Council has not been advised of the contribution it will received towards the Ireland 2016 celebration.  These details are to be furnished in the near future.  It is anticipated that it will be a sum between €60,000 to €100,000.
  • Proposal for works on the Fairgreen in Sligo.  A report was requested by the Members for their December Meeting.
  • Village enhancement scheme
  • Members welcomed the confirmation that it is not intended to close any of the Libraries.  The Chief Executive advised the Members that progress had been made in relation to Libraries.  It is hoped to be in a position to maintain the three main Branch Libraries.  The situation is not finalised as yet but Mr. Hayes thanked the staff for trying to continue to provide that service. 
  • In reply to a query regarding the possibility of the B.I.D., if set up, being in a position to provide funding for Christmas lights in future, Ms. Clarke, in noting that a B.I.D. must not displace or provide services that the Council would provide,  agreed to check out the legislation and revert to the Members.

In relation to the “Ireland 2016” celebrations, Mr. D. Tinney said that there is €30,000 to date in seed capital.  The closing date for projects had been in recent days.  The programme is continuously being added to and it will keep evolving over the next few months. It is not possible to finalise the Plan until notification of funding is received.  At present, a sum of €135,000 is needed to carry out the plan to a sufficient standard.  It is also hoped that the Plan can be upscaled, depending on funding. Over 30 applications have been received which will be implemented at community level, two locations are being examined for “Peace Gardens”.  The proposal is to commemorate the centenary in a fitting way and to include the diaspora.

 

DIVISION G: AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE

Mr. Kilfeather outlined the various services in Division G as set out on pages 87 and 88. 

In relation to G0203, Mr. Kilfeather advised the meeting that the reduction in the sum referred to staff now working with Irish Water or retired.  It is necessary to examine the appropriate mechanism to manage and develop Sligo Harbour.

In response to some queries from the members on this Division Mr. Kilfeather replied as follows:

  • In relation to Sligo Harbour, one of the staff changes is the retirement of the Harbour Master has now retired and cannot be replaced at present.
  • A meeting had taken place with the E.P.A. recently in relation to a dumping at sea licence.  There is an issue in relation to sampling and contact is being made with the Marine Institute in an effort to minimise work that has to be done. 
  • An update would be given to the Members in relation to works proposed on the dunes at Strandhill beach.
  • Piers works, particularly at Pollnadeffa Pier, will be examined and the Members advised of the present position.

In reply to a query raised as to the savings that would accumulate from the amalgamation of Sligo Borough and County Councils, it was unlikely that this would be known until after year end.  There had been savings identified in certain areas, e.g. reductions in administration and the reduction in the number of Councillors.  A large amount of amalgamation had already taken place in the areas of Planning and Finance.  It will not, therefore, be possible to identify the impact in one year.

Ms. Whelan advised the Members that, at year end, work will be carried out to compare as best can be done based on half of 2014 and all of 2015. 

In relation to a query raised on G0599, Ms. Whelan confirmed that this figures relates to financial transactions for Higher Education Grants and the distribution of the cost to the activity.

 

DIVISION H: MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Ms. M. Whelan outlined details from page 92 of the draft Budget book. 

In reply to a query from Councillor M. Casserly regarding H303 “Refunds and Irrecoverable Rates”, Ms. Whelan confirmed that this is again due to the contents of the Financial Plan.  The rates accrual has been increased by €2 million and bad debt provision has been increased by €2.2 million.  This is included in H303.

 

ADJOURNMENT TO CONSIDER DRAFT BUDGET AND RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That the Meeting be adjourned for 15 minutes for the Members to consider submitted resolutions”.

The meeting adjourned at 4.10 p.m. and resumed at 4.25 p.m.

 

The Cathaoirleach read out the resolutions in the order they were received throughout the course of the meeting.

 

REFORM OF COMMERCIAL RATES:

Proposed by Councillor Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor Keaney

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council defer any decision on reform of commercial rates until further information is supplied to all Councillors and the Executive of this Council”.

 

REVISION OF GLOBAL VALUATION ON ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS UTILITIES:

Proposed by Councillor Bree
Seconded by Councillor O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That this Council, noting the significant reduction in income to local authorities arising from the recent decision of the Commissioner for Valuation to revise the global valuation on energy and telecommunications utilities, calls on the Government and the Minister for the Environment to make good the shortfall in funding arising from the revaluation”.

 

SURVEY OF HOUSES IN LOWER ABBEY STREET:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That the Council carry out a survey of its houses in Lower Abbey Street, Sligo so as to ascertain the level of insulation provided and to ascertain if additional insulation and upgrading works are required”.

 

FUNDING FOR CRANMORE REGENERATION PROJECT:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“That the Council be provided with a report (a) indicating the total funding provided by the Department for the Cranmore Regeneration Project in the current year, and (b) a breakdown of where the funding was spent”.

 

APPROVAL OF PAYMENT OF MATCHING FUNDS AND GRANTS:

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

AND AGREED

“That the proposed payments of matching funds and/or Council grants be approved by the elected Council”.

 

TOWN TWINNING FUND:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

“That the Town Twinning fund of €3,500 be increased by €4,000 to €7,500.  This €4,000 to be taken from Tourism Promotion – D0501”.

 

ADOPTION OF BUDGET:

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 H. Keaney
Seconded by Councillor M. Baker

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December, 2016 as submitted by the Chief Executive Officer”.      

For:

Councillor Baker, Councillor Keaney, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor Lundy, Councillor Maguire, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor O’Grady, Councillor Queenan, Councillor Scanlon and Councillor Taylor (11)

Against:

Councillor Bree, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Gormley, Councillor Healy, Councillor MacManus and Councillor O’Boyle (7)

The Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.

 

CAPITAL PROGRAMME (2016-2018):

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Chief Executive’s Report on the proposed three year Capital Programme 2016-2018 (pages 96-97 of Budget Book)”.

 

CATHAOIRLEACH OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ALLOWANCE:

Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor D. Mulvey

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach of the Ballymote-Tobercurry Municipal District be fixed at €6,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2016.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within the Municipal District”.

 

MAYOR OF SLIGO MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ALLOWANCE:

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

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Mayor of the Sligo Municipal District be fixed at €12,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2016.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Mayor within the Municipal District”.

 

CATHAOIRLEACH’S ALLOWANCE:

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

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €20,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2016.  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 M. Baker
Seconded by Councillor J. Lundy

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Leas Cathaoirleach be fixed at €4,000 per annum with effect from the 1st January, 2016.  This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas Cathaoirleach within County Sligo”.

 

RATEABLE VALUATION:

Proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
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, 2016, 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 2016.  The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €66.95”.

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

 

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended toJames and Dolores McDonagh, Carrowclooneen, Coolaney on the death of James’ mother, Ann”.

 

END OF MEETING:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the staff for their work in preparing the budget and the members for their input and consideration of the 2016 Budget.

 

 

The meeting concluded at 4.35 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Meeting Date 23/11/2015