Budget Meeting Minutes

Minutes of Statutory Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 25th November, 2019 at 9.00 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo.

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Councillor Baker,
Councillor Bree,
Councillor Casserly,
Councillor Clarke,
Councillor Connolly,
Councillor Fox,
Councillor Gilroy,
Councillor Healy,
Councillor MacManus,
Councillor MacSharry,
Councillor Maguire,
Councillor Mullaney,
Councillor Mulvey,
Councillor O’Boyle,
Councillor Queenan, Taylor,
Councillor Walsh.

OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:

Ciarán Hayes, Chief Executive
Tom Kilfeather, Director of Services
Dorothy Clarke, Director of Services
John Reilly, Head of Enterprise
Marie Whelan, Head of Finance
Bartley Gavin, A/Director of Services
Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer
Fineen O’Driscoll, Senior Engineer
Emer Concannon, Senior Engineer
Patricia Guckian, Financial Accountant
Mary Dunleavy, Financial Accountant
Marian O’Callaghan, Acting Senior Architect
Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
John Moran, Senior Executive Officer
Kevin Colreavy, Meetings Administrator
Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

APOLOGIES:

In the absence of the Cathaoirleach at the commencement of the meeting, Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor O’Boyle presided.

Apologies were noted on behalf of Councillor O’Grady.

CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor S. Maguire

AND AGREED

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

INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE OR REDUCTION IN INCOME:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor

“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 Leas-Cathaoirleach informed the Meeting that as no Members seconding the motion it had fallen and he would proceed with the business of the meeting.

The Chief Executive welcomed those present to the annual Budget Meeting and delivered a presentation setting out details of the headline items. The Members were informed that each Director of Services would go through their Programmes in detail. The Chief Executive referred to items involved in the Council’s expenditure of just over €67 million. Provision had been made in the context of requests from Members during the year.

Reference was made to the major projects underway in Sligo including roads projects on the N4, Western Distributor Route and N4-N15 together with the O’Connell Street Enhancement and Stephen Street Cultural Plaza, the Yeats Trail and Surf Centre in Strandhill. Major Housing projects were underway at Rosses Point Road, Knappagh Road and Collooney.

In relation to Rate Collection, the main issue facing the Council was the Revaluation and Appeals as a result. This would cause significant difficulties together with proposals being brought forward for vacant properties. This would mean difficulties for the Council in terms of collections for 2020 if scarce resources were to be focused on collection of rates from vacant properties where money was not there. This would mean a reduced collection from people who could pay

The Head of Finance referred the Members to pages 18 and 19 of the Draft Budget book.

Information was set out under the following headings:

Local Authority Budget for the Financial Year Ending 31^st December, 2020

Main Sources of Revenue Income 2020 and
How Income will be spent by Division.
Comparison Year on Year of Divisions
1. Expenditure Budgets and
2. Income Budgets.

Councillor Bree thanked the Chief Executive and Head of Finance for their introductory reports and expressed his disappointment that provision had not been made for additional income from rates.

Following further discussions it was then

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

“Recognising that rates are payable on all commercial property, we call on the Council Executive

to collect the rates in respect of all commercial property;
to prepare a draft Refund Scheme which will allow the Council to refund 33% of the rates on vacant properties in the Borough District of Sligo;
to include a sum of €1 million as additional income from commercial rates in the Budget for 2020;
to introduce the Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme to promote job creation and employment in Sligo.”

Councillor O’Boyle clarified that, as had been agreed at the outset, this matter would be taken with all other resolutions at the end of the meeting.

DIVISION A – HOUSING AND BUILDING

Mr. Gavin outlined the content of Division A in the Draft Budget Book from pages 36 therein.

Following an introduction, this Division set out details relating to

Social Housing Strategy
Rebuilding Ireland – Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness
Repair and Leasing Scheme
Buy and Renew Scheme

A01 - Maintenance/Improvement of Local Authority Units
A02 - Housing Assessment, Allocation and Transfer
A03 – Housing Rent and Tenant Purchase Administration
A04 – Housing Community Development Support
A05 – Administration of Homeless Service-Homelessness
A06 – Support to Housing Capital and Affordable Programme.

Councillor MacManus thanked the Director of Services and referred to his work with families seeking Social Housing. In particular, he referred to the large gap between the H.A.P. assistance threshold and the actual rental cost of family accommodation in Sligo. He noted NOAC statistics re. sums spent on Housing Maintenance, funding for Housing Grant assistance in the various categories, Land Asset Management Team Cranmore Community Centre and Cranmore Pilot Scheme.

Councillor Bree agreed with points raised regarding H.A.P. and R.A.S. and difficulties encountered by families as a result.

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

“That this Council expresses its grave dissatisfaction at the decision of the Government to impose cutbacks in the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Schemes; and further we call on the Government and the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to provide adequate finances to fund the Housing Grants Schemes in County Sligo in 2020.”

Councillor Walsh welcomed in funding for Housing Grants and Councillor Clarke queried whether there was an issue in the Council’s staffing levels in relation to processing those grants for the Elderly and Disabled. Staff were already under serious pressure to administer the programme in 2018 and 2019. If all types of grants were open again for applications, he enquired if staffing levels would hinder the drawdown of maximum funds.

Councillor Healy asked for figures regarding a proposed increase in rent for Council Tenants

Mr. Gavin responded to queries raised and Ms. Whelan and Mr. Murphy clarified further aspects of the information sought.

The Chief Executive advised Members that the Land Asset Management Team was still the subject of discussions with the Department.

In response to queries Members were provided with details of proposed rental increases.

DIVISION B – ROADS, TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY

Mr. Kilfeather dealt with this Division and, as set out from page 56 of the Draft Budget Book, this Division included detailed information on

B01 – National Primary Road – Maintenance and Improvement
B02 – National Secondary Road – Maintenance and Improvement
B03 – Regional Road – Maintenance and Improvement
B04 – Local Road – Maintenance and Improvement
B10 – Support to Roads Capital Programme

Road Transportation and Safety

National Primary Roads
National Secondary Roads
Regional Roads
Local Roads
National Roads (T.I.I. National Road Maintenance Grants)

National Primary Road Maintenance

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) allocated €568,223 to National Primary Maintenance works in 2019, which was divided between ordinary maintenance, winter maintenance, route lighting and support maintenance.

National Secondary Road Maintenance

Pavement Renewal Scheme
National Roads Capital Maintenance Repairs
National Roads Safety Improvement Scheme
National Road Safety Inspections

Non National Roads

Restoration Improvement Grant
Restoration Maintenance Grants
Discretionary Grant
Drainage Grant
Community Involvement Schemes
Safety Improvement Works on Regional & Local Roads
Local Improvement Schemes
Bridge Rehabilitation 2019
Clár Grants
Other works and Specific Improvement Grants
Markievicz Footbridge Project
O’Connell Street Enhancement Project

Non National Strategic Improvement Schemes

Eastern Garavogue Bridge and approach roads
Western Distributor Road Phase II
National Major Road Schemes – Sligo National Roads Project Office
N4 Collooney to Castlebaldwin Road Development Scheme
N17 Knock to Collooney
N16 Lugatober
N4-N15 Sligo Urban Improvement Scheme
N59 Corhownagh to Lugnadeffa Road Improvement Scheme.

Queries raised by Members under the above headings were replied to by Mr. Kilfeather together with Ms. Concannon and Mr. Brennan.

DIVISION C – WATER SERVICES

Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that to manage water and waste water services from 2014, Irish Water developed service level agreements with all Local Authorities.

Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service and Income for Water Services was then set out from pages 81 and 82.

Members welcomed details of developments ongoing within the county as had been set out by Mr. O’Driscoll and the Director of Services.

DIVISION D – DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

Ms. Clarke dealt with Division D (from page 83 of the Draft Budget Book) and the various areas covered by this Division.

D02 – Development Management

Development Management
E-Planning
Development Planning Unit (DPU)
Achievements in 2019
Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy
Work planned for 2020

D03 – Enforcement

Enforcement of Planning Control
Collection of Development Contributions
Taking Estates in Charge
Vacant Homes/Derelict Sites

Community and Economic Development

Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)
Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) 2016-2021
Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme
Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020
Communities Enhancement Programme
Support for the Community & Voluntary Sector
Public Participation Network (PPN)
Age Friendly Programme
Healthy Ireland
Peace IV
Sligo Economic Forum
County Sligo Diaspora Strategy 2019-2024
Tourism Development (Festivals and Events, Wild Atlantic Way and Adventure Tourism)
Pride of Place
Local Enterprise Office

CATHAOIRLEACH:

At 12.00 noon the Cathaoirleach took the Chair.

DIVISION D – DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT

D11 – Heritage and Conservation Services

Heritage
Biodiversity
Architectural Conservation
Priorities for 2020

Members thanked Ms. Clarke for her extensive report and noted the wide area of work involved. Ms. Clarke responded to a number of queries raised under this heading.

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting adjourned at 12.30 p.m. and resumed at 1.00 p.m.

DIVISION E – ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

Pages 110-112 of the Draft Budget Book dealt with this area of the Local Authority’s work and Mr. Kilfeather set out the information under the following headings:

E02 – Recovery and Recycling Facilities Operations

E05 – Litter Management and Environmental Awareness

E07 – Waste Regulations, Monitoring and Enforcement

E08 – Waste Management Planning/Waste Management Enforcement

E11 – Operation of Fire Service

E13 – Water Quality, Air and Noise Pollution

Catchment Management

Drinking Water

Bathing Water

Water Safety

Rivers and Lakes

Air and Noise Pollution

Casual Trading

Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

Under this E10 covered the area of Civil Defence and this was under the remit of Mr. Gavin’s Directorate.

DIVISION F – RECREATION AND AMENITY

Ms. Clarke dealt with the portions of this Division under her Directorate and clarified points raised and information sought by Members.

F02 – Operation of Library and Archival Service

Countywide Events

Right to Read Programme

Work Matters

Europe Direct Information Centre (EDIC)

Museum

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

E.U. Projects

Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF)

Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF)

Mr. Kilfeather’s Directorate also dealt with the following items:

Parks and Open Spaces – Maintenance and Landscaping

Sports Pitches

Town Centre Enhancement

Ms. Clarke presented an overview of the following work programme under this heading in her directorate

F05 – Operation of Arts Programme

Children and Young People

Arts and Health and Older People

Community Arts and Artists

Music

Film

Culture Night

Creative Ireland

Funding

DIVISION G – AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE:

G02 – Operation and Maintenance of Piers and Harbours

Sligo Harbour

Floating Pontoon

G04 – Veterinary Service

Food Safety

Animal Welfare

DIVISION H – MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

Mr. Moran gave the background to areas listed under this heading:

H04 – Franchise Costs (Register of Electors)

H09 – Local Representation and Civic Leadership

Administrative support for Cathaoirleach

J02 – Corporate Services

Information Services

Freedom of Information

International contacts

Disability Consultative Committee

Joint Policing Committee

Human Resources

VOTING ON RESOLUTIONS:

The Cathaoirleach informed the meeting that he would now take each resolution as they had been received, together with statutory resolutions.

The Chief Executive clarified that, in relation to the first motion, a commitment had been given in respect of a motion brought up by Councillor MacManus, that this issue would be examined in Quarter 1 of 2020.

In relation to Part A, Sligo County Council did issue Rate Demands in respect of all commercial property.

Staff resources were deployed primarily on collection from those in a position to pay. In his professional view, the passing of the motion would actually reduce the rate collection in the county.

The Chief Executive had reviewed rate collection with each individual Rate Collector and he was aware of those who were in a position to pay. It was, therefore, not appropriate to include an additional income of €1 million from rates, which he believed only be described as a fantasy sum.

Councillor Bree said he was disappointed that other Councils throughout the country had worked with the 2014 Legislation. He had put down a motion 2017 and the Executive had called on Members to reject it. This happened again 2018. While the Chief Executive said the figure of €1 million was fantasy, if Sligo County Council got even €500,000 it was better than nothing.

The Chief Executive said he felt the officials in Sligo had done an excellent job, particularly over his time, to now stand at a figure of 81% from a collection of 59% in 2013.

It was proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That there would be an adjournment for 30 minutes and that the Members would be provided with a copy of each resolution prior to a vote being taken.”

The Meeting then adjourned from 2.45 p.m. to 3.20 p.m.

COLLECTION OF RATES IN RESPECT OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY:

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

“Recognising that rates are payable on all commercial property, we call on the Council Executive

to collect the rates in respect of all commercial property;
to prepare a draft Refund Scheme which will allow the Council to refund 33% of the rates on vacant properties in the Borough District of Sligo;
to include a sum of €1 million as additional income from commercial rates in the Budget for 2020;
to introduce the Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme to promote job creation and employment in Sligo.”

A vote was called on this resolution with the following result:

For: Councillor Bree, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Healy, Councillor MacManus and Councillor O’Boyle (5)

Against: Councillor Baker, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Connolly, Councillor Fox, Councillor Gilroy, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Maguire, Councillor Mullaney, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor Queenan, Councillor Taylor and Councillor Walsh (12)

Absent: Councillor O’Grady (1)

The Cathaoirleach deemed this resolution LOST.

HOUSING ADAPTATION GRANTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES:

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

AND AGREED

INTRODUCTION OF A PUBLIC LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT SCHEME:

Proposed by Councillor T. Walsh
Seconded by Councillor G. Mullaney

AND AGREED

“That Sligo County Council introduce a public lighting improvement scheme in the 2020 budget.”

INCREASE IN COUNCILLORS’ PROPOSALS MONIES:

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

AND AGREED

“To ask that Councillors Proposals monies be increased by €1,000 from €12,000 to €13,000 in bringing forward the 2020 Roadworks Programme.”

SCHEME FOR IMPROVEMENT OF CLASS 3 ROADS IN 2020:

Proposed by Councillor G. Mullaney
Seconded by Councillor T. Fox

AND AGREED

“That the Council design a Scheme for the improvement of Class 3 roads in 2020 with additional funds.”

PROVISION OF FUNDING FOR CARRYING OUT OF DUTIES:

Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle, Councillor T. Healy and Councillor C. MacManus

“Concerned at the lack of sufficient funding being provided by the Department, the Council rejects the 2020 Budget and calls on the Fine Gael/Independent Alliance Government to provide adequate funding so as to allow the Council to carry out its duties.”

A vote on this resolution resulted as follows:

FOR: Councillor Bree, Councillor Healy, Councillor MacManus and Councillor O’Boyle (4)

AGAINST: Councillor Baker, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Connolly, Councillor Fox, Councillor Gilroy, Councillor MacSharry, Maguire, Mullaney, Mulvey, Queenan, Councillor Taylor and Councillor Walsh (13)

ABSENT: Councillor O’Grady (1)

The Cathaoirleach deemed this resolution LOST.

ADOPTION OF BUDGET FOR YEAR ENDING 31^ST DECEMBER, 2020:

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

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31^st December, 2020 as submitted by the Chief Executive Officer, as set out in Tables A, B and C of the said Budget.”

A vote on this resolution resulted as follows:

FOR: Councillor Baker, Councillor Clarke, Councillor Gilroy, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Queenan and Councillor Taylor (6)

AGAINST: Councillor Bree, Casserly, Connolly, Fox, Healy, MacManus, Councillor Maguire, Councillor Mullaney, Councillor Mulvey, Councillor O’Boyle and Councillor Walsh (11)

ABSENT: Councillor O’Grady (1)

The Cathaoirleach deemed this resolution LOST.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Mary Kelly and her children Trevor and Amanda of Cartron, Sligo on the death of her husband, Seamus.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Owen Duffy of Creamery Road, Ballymote on the death of his wife, Brenda.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Cathleen Gorman and family of Carrowmore, Lavagh on the death of her husband, Peadar.”

ADJOURNED STATUTORY BUDGET MEETING:

The Chief Executive informed the Members that, as a result of the motion having been lost, the Members had fourteen days beginning on the date of the first meeting to adopt a Budget. If this was not done, the Minister had the power to abolish the Council and appoint a Commissioner.

There was then an adjournment of the meeting from 3.30 p.m. to 3.50 p.m. to allow the Member to have further discussions,

Following the resumption of the Meeting, Members agreed to defer further consideration of the draft Budget until 5.00 p.m. on Monday, 2^nd December, 2019.

END OF MEETING:

The business of the meeting concluded at 4.05 p.m.

Meeting Date 25/11/2019