Budget Meeting Minutes
Minutes of the Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held at 11.00am on 12th January 2004 in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo
MEMBERS PRESENT:
- Barrett,
- Barry,
- Branley,
- Bree,
- Cawley,
- Colleary,
- L. Conlon,
- M. Conlon,
- Conmy,
- Fleming,
- Fox,
- Gormley,
- Higgins,
- Kilgannon,
- Leonard,
- Mac Manus,
- Mc Garry,
- Mc Guinn,
- Mc Loughlin,
- Parke,
- Perry,
- Queenan,
- Scanlon,
- Shannon.
OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE:
- Mr H. Kearns, County Manager
- Mr T. Caffrey, Director of Services
- Ms D. Clarke, Director of Services
- Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services
- Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance
- Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services
- Mr T. Carroll, Senior Engineer
- Mr K. Larkin, Senior Engineer
- Mr J. Mc Hugh, Senior Engineer
- Mr B. Carolan, Senior Planner
- Mr D. Breen, Senior Executive Officer
- Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer
- Mr R. Lavin, Financial Accountant
- Ms M. Leydon, Project Accountant
- Mr D. Tinney, County Librarian
- Mr P. Flanagan, Senior Executive Engineer
- Mr T. Rooney, Administrative Officer
- Ms E. Garvin, Administrative Officer
- Ms D. Mc Donagh, Acting Administrative Officer
- Ms C. Kenny, Staff Officer
- Ms F. Couch, Clerical Officer
CATHAOIRLEACH:
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley presided.
SHORT ADJOURNMENT OF BUDGET MEETING:
BUSINESS OF JANUARY ORDINARY MEETING TO BE DEALT WITH AT FEBRUARY ORDINARY MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor J. Shannon
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
AND AGREED
“I propose to adjourn this meeting for 15 minutes and also that the January ordinary meeting stand adjourned as a mark of respect to Councillor Murray on the death of his brother, Tommy and his nephew, Jimmy, and for Pat Joe Reynolds, former TD for Sligo /Leitrim, and the matters to be dealt with at the January Ordinary meeting will be dealt with at the February ordinary meeting”.
The meeting reconvened at 11.50 a.m.
The Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley asked the County Manager, Mr H. Kearns, to introduce the draft budget 2004 and asked that the Directors of Services would then proceed to outline the programme groups.
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon
“That the Council proceed to consider all programme groups in advance of considering any motions coming from the floor. Motions where members indicate an increase in expenditure must also indicate how this increase it to be funded. Otherwise the Cathaoirleach will consider such motions to be illegal”.
Following a discussion this matter was agreed.
INTRODUCTION TO DRAFT BUDGET 2004:
Ms M. Mc Connell, Senior Executive Officer, informed members that:
- Public notice of the date of the 2004 Budget Meeting was published in “The Sligo Champion” dated 17th December 2003.
- Notification of meeting, copy of statutory draft budget, 2004, Managers statement and detailed explanatory notes were circulated to each Member of the Council on 22nd December 2003.
- A copy of the Draft Budget 2004 was deposited for public inspection in the offices of the County Council on 22nd December 2003.
The County Manager, Mr H. Kearns stated that the estimated revenue expenditure for 2004 is €43,096,631.
He referred to the significant issues for 2004 such as the cost of benchmarking, new projects to be embarked upon and the capital works proposed. Mr. Kearns also advised that this Budget included for the financial provisions arising from the transfer of the water services function from the Borough Council to the County Council.
PROGRAMME GROUP 1: HOUSING AND BUILDING:
The members proceeded to consider programme group 1, housing and building.
Director Caffrey outlined the housing and building programme for 2004. In response to queries regarding Connolly Park, Tubbercurry Director Caffrey stated that a review of works proposed is being carried out. In response to queries regarding Culfadda he stated that the matter of the road damage had been resolved and that work is due to be completed on the housing scheme in early 2004.
With regard to the Respond housing scheme in Strandhill, Director Caffrey stated that tenders had been received and that work would commence in April 2004. He advised that the social economy scheme funding and tenant support funding is included in the maintenance and improvement budget. In response to queries regarding the scheme of 8 houses in Geevagh, he stated due to the failure of the original contractor to complete the works another contractor is being engaged to do so. In response to queries regarding Essential Repairs Grants and Disabled Persons Grants he stated that a departmental review group had been set up to do an overall review of these schemes.
PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 2 - ROAD TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY:
The members proceeded to consider programme group 2, road transportation and safety.
Director Concannon outlined the expenditure proposed on the road transportation and safety programme. He outlined the priorities for 2004 including the construction of the N4 Sligo Inner Relief Road, the advancement of the planning of the N17 – Tubbercurry bypass, route selection on the N15, preliminary studies on the SligoWestern Bypass and continuation of the improvements on regional and local roads.
In response to queries regarding the N16 and the N4 at Castlebaldwin Director Concannon stated that it is not anticipated that funds would be provided by the NRA for these projects in 2004. In response to queries regarding the Inner Relief Road, he stated that the consultants are in the process of preparing a report on tenders.
PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 3 - WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE:
The members proceeded to consider programme group 3, water supply and sewerage.
Mr S. Concannon, Director of Services, outlined the proposed expenditure in the water supply and sewerage area. In response to Members queries regarding the funding of Sligo Main Drainage, Director Concannon advised that all documentation is with the Department and that approval is awaited. He further outlined the anticipated timescale for the tender and construction phases.
Further queries raised by the members were responded to.
PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 4 - DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES AND CONTROL:
The members proceeded to consider programme group 4, development incentives and control.
Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services outlined details of the proposed expenditure in the Community and Enterprise Directorate, including details of the Voluntary and Community Grant Scheme.
Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services outlined the proposed expenditure in the Development Incentives and Control programme.
In response to members queries, Mr T. Kilfeather, Head of Finance advised that the main increases in expenditure in the planning and enforcement areas were salary related.
PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 5 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT:
The members proceeded to consider programme group 5, environmental protection and waste management.
Mr P. Forkan, Director of Services outlined the proposed expenditure in the Environmental Protection and Waste expenditure in the Environmental Protection and Waste Management programme.
In response to members queries Director Forkan advised that an Enforcement Officer will be appointed in the near future to assist with the work of the Litter Warden. A number of queries were raised by members, in relation to the developments of burial grounds which were responded to.
PROGRAMME GROUP NO. 6 - RECREATION AND AMENITY:
The members proceeded to consider programme group 6, recreation and amenity.
In response to queries regarding the beach guard service at Dunmoran and Enniscrone, Director Forkan advised members that funding is in place to provide a similar service to 2003.
In response to queries regarding the amount allocated to matching funds, Director Clarke advised that provision of matching funding is included for both Urban and Village Renewal and Clar Enhancement Programmes for 2004.
PROGRAMME GROUP NO’S 7, 8 AND 9 - AGRICULTURE/EDUCATION/MISCELLANEOUS AND SUPPORT SERVICES:
The members proceeded to consider programme groups 7, 8 and 9, agriculture, education, miscellaneous and support services.
In response to queries Director Caffrey advised of the budget and work applicable to the Freedom of Information and Communications areas. In response to queries regarding the Open Local Government Initiative it was noted that the initiative would be enhanced by extension to groupings other than schools.
RESOLUTIONS ARISING FROM BUDGET MEETING:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That a sum of €30,000 be transferred from Programme 6 to Programme 1 towards the Disabled Persons Grants and Essential Repairs Grants. These monies are coming from matching funds in Programme 6”.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon
“That the expenditure for the maintenance and repair of council houses (Item 1.1.1) be increased from €440,000 to €540,000”.
As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley asked that a poll be taken.
For the motion: Bree, McGarry
Against the motion: Branley, Cawley, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Higgins, Leonard, McGuinn, Queenan
Abstainees: Gormley, MacManus, Parke, Perry.
As the vote was 2 for the motion, 9 against the motion and 4 abstainees the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.
Proposed by Councillor A. Colleary
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council write to Minister Seamus Brennan requesting deputations on our national primary road priorities”.
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council call on the Department to approve the Sligo Main Drainage Scheme to go to tender stage immediately”.
Proposed by Councillor B. Scanlon
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
“That as sum of €200,000 be included in Programme 5.1 to cover the cost of implementing a refuse waiver /subsidy scheme”.
As agreement was not reached in relation to the matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley asked that a poll be taken.
For the motion: Bree, McGarry
Against the motion: Branley, Cawley, Colleary, L. Conlon, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Higgins, Kilgannon, Leonard, McGuinn, Perry, Queenan.
Abstainees: Gormley, Parke.
As the vote was 2 for the motion, 13 against the motion and 2 abstainees the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.
Proposed by Councillor D. Bree
Seconded by Councillor B. Scanlon
“That expenditure in Programme 1.3.4 for Disabled Persons Grants and Essential Repairs Grants be increased to €190,000”.
As agreement was not reached in relation to the matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley asked that a poll be taken.
For the motion: Bree, McGarry, Perry, Scanlon
Against the motion: Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, L. Conlon, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Higgins, Kilgannon, Leonard, Mc Guinn, Parke, Queenan.
Abstainee: Gormley.
As the vote was 4 for the motion, 14 against the motion and 1 abstainee the Cathaoirleach declared the motion lost.
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €32,400 per annum with effect from the 1st January 2004. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo”.
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“That an amount of up to €5,100 be allowed to the Cathaoirleach in respect of vouched expenses at official rates for reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach outside County Sligo”.
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That an amount of up to €3,200 be allowed to the Cathaoirleach in respect of vouched expenses at official rates for reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach abroad”.
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor J. Queenan
AND AGREED
“That the allowance for An Leas-Cathaoirleach be fixed at €8,100 per annum with effect from the 12th January 2004. This allowance is to be paid in two instalments in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas-Cathaoirleach”.
ADOPTION OF BUDGET 2004:
Proposed by Councillor J. Queenan
Seconded by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December, 2004 as submitted by the County Manager, as set out in Tables A, B and C of the said Budget”.
As agreement was not reached in relation to this matter the Cathaoirleach, Councillor PJ Cawley asked that a poll be taken.
For the motion: Barry, Branley, Cawley, Colleary, L. Conlon, Conmy, Fleming, Fox, Gormley, Higgins, Kilgannon, Leonard, MacManus, Mc Guinn, Parke, Perry, Queenan.
Against the motion: Bree, McGarry, Scanlon.
As the vote was 17 for the motion and 3 against the motion the Cathaoirleach declared the motion carried.
RATEABLE VALUATION MULTIPLIER TO BE LEVIED:
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31st December 2004, as adopted at this meeting, the rateable valuation multiplier to be levied for the several purposes specified in such budgets as set out in tables B ad C to be the rateable valuation multiplier to be levied for that year. The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being 56.87”.
VOTES OF SYMPATHY:
Proposed by Councillor J. Shannon
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Frank O’ Dowd and family on the death of his father, Wish”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mol Flannery on the death of her husband, Joe”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Dan Gallagher on the death of his mother, Angela”.
Proposed by Councillor R. Mc Guinn
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Jim Mc Morrow on the death of his mother, Jenny”.
Proposed by Councillor PJ Cawley
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Councillor G. Murray on the death of his brother Tommy and his nephew, Jimmy”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Councillor Gerry Reynolds on the death of his father, Pat Joe”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Councillor John Mc Tiernan on the death of his son, Gary”.
Proposed by Councillor P. Barry
Seconded by Councillor P. Branley
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Kathleen and Caroline Devins on the death of John Pat”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Sean Flynn on the death of his sister, Mary Kate Spellman”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Eugene and Margaret Corrigan on the death of their son, Jason”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Baby Mc Dermott on the death of her husband, Louis”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Padraig O’ Dowd on the death of his father, Wish”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Geraldine Keenan on the death of her mother, Mary Mc Dermott”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Henry Gawley on the death of his mother, Florrie”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Bea Henry on the death of her sister, Nellie Byrne”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Margaret Mc Intyre on the death of her mother, Mai Quinn”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Kevin Mc Donagh on the death of his father, Michael”.
Proposed by Deputy J. Perry
Seconded by Councillor M. Fleming
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Margaret Mc Dermott on the death of Luke”.
Proposed by Cllr. A. Parke
Seconded by Councillor M. Gormley
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Brian Mallen on the death of Evelyn”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Eileen Marren on the death of her step son, Mick”.
Proposed by Councillor M. Fleming
Seconded by Councillor PJ Cawley
AND AGREED
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Jack Durcan on the death of his wife, Betty”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Tom Kildunne on the death of his brother, James”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Tom Gallagher on the death of his wife, Angela”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to James Grimes on the death of his mother, Mary”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Edwin Gawley on the death of his mother, Florence”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to John Sweeney on the death of his mother, Ciss”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Annie Kennedy on the death of her brother, Richard”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Mrs Mc Gowan on the death of her husband, Frank”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to Babie Mc Dermott on the death of her husband, Louis”.
“That a vote of sympathy be expressed to the Corrigan family on the death of their son, Jason”.
CONFERENCES:
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor P. Barry
AND AGREED
“That Councillor P. Branley and Councillor J. Shannon be nominated to attend the Wicklow Tourism Seminar in Wicklow on 22nd January 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor M. Barrett
AND AGREED
“That Councillors L. Conlon and M. Conlon be nominated to attend the Wicklow Tourism Seminar in Wicklow on 22nd January 2004”.
Proposed by Councillor A. Higgins
Seconded by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
AND AGREED
“That Councillors P. Barry and S. Kilgannon be nominated to attend the Mid West Regional Association Annual Conference in the Abbey Court Hotel, Neenagh on 30th January 2004”
Proposed by Councillor T. Mc Loughlin
Seconded by Councillor I. Fox
AND AGREED
“That Councillors M. Barrett, I. Fox and T. Mc Loughlin be nominated to attend the Merriman Winter School from 30th January to 1st February 2004 in Fitzpatricks Hotel, Bunratty, Co. Clare”.
Proposed by Councillor P. Conmy
Seconded by Deputy J. Perry
AND AGREED
“That Councillors M. Barrett, P. Branley, L. Conlon, M. Conlon, P. Conmy, J. Perry and J. Queenan be nominated to attend the Renewable Energy Conference from 5-6 February in Riverbank House Hotel, Wexford”.
Proposed by Councillor P. Branley
Seconded by Councillor A. Higgins
AND AGREED
“That Councillor P. Branley and Councillor J. Shannon be nominated to attend the AMAI Spring Seminar from 13-14 February in the Holiday Inn, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal”.
ITEMS CIRCULATED AT THE MEETING:
- List of forthcoming conferences for 2004
- Memo regarding the Enforcement Section of the Council.
END OF MEETING:
The meeting concluded at 5.07pm
Meeting Date 12/01/2004