Minutes 2018

Minutes of Annual Budget Meeting of Sligo County Council held on Monday, 26th November, 2018

COUNCILLORS PRESENT:

Councillor Baker,
Councillor Bree,
Councillor Casserly,
Councillor Clarke,
Councillor Gormley,
Councillor Henry,
Councillor Keaney,
Councillor Kilgannon,
Councillor Lundy,
Councillor Maguire,
Councillor MacManus,
Councillor MacSharry,
Councillor Mulvey,
Councillor O’Grady,
Councillor Queenan,
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, A/Director of Services
Mr. John Reilly, Head of Enterprise, L.E.O.
Mr. Michael Hand, Financial Management Accountant
Ms. Mary Dunleavy, Financial Management Accountant
Mr. Joe Murphy, Senior Executive Officer
Mr. Kevin Colreavy, Meeting Administrator
Ms. Jo-Anne McGonigle, Assistant Staff Officer

CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Martin Baker presided.

APOLOGIES:

Apologies were received from Councillor Healy and Councillor O’Boyle.

2019 DRAFT BUDGET:

The Cathaoirleach welcomed Members to the Meeting to consider the Chief Executive’s Draft Budget for the local financial year ending on 31st December, 2019.

It was then proposed by Councillor S. Kilgannon
Seconded by Councillor P. Taylor

AND AGREED

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

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
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”.

The Chief Executive advised the Meeting that there was still approximately €20 million accumulated deficit. This continued to be the highest in the country. Provision had been made over the last number of years, however, in the draft budget before the Members no provision had been made for a surplus in 2019. The Head of Finance would go through each area of the budget but the Chief Executive drew the Members’ attention to some areas where there were increases, i.e. the Haddington Road Agreement involved increased costs and wage increases, staff returning from career breaks, the Atlantic Economic Corridor, P.P.N. etc. There was a major increase in costs for 2019 due to the Local Elections. Further increases were occurring in insurance and public lighting costs. There were increased State obligations and matched funding requirements with increased economic activity.

The Meeting was advised by the Chief Executive that Sligo was entering a period of sustained growth. While this was welcome, it brought demands on resources. There had been good job announcements which would benefit rates over time. This was not expected to have an impact in 2019. In relation to the N4, Western Distributor Route and O’Connell Street refurbishment, they were all welcome but would take an allocation of resources.

Growth issues had implications for the Financial Plan with the requirement to produce a surplus. Initial discussions had taken place with the Department based on use of the Council’s land portfolio and establishment of a Land Management Team. To date, the reaction had been quite positive. If successful, this would be a major step from the limitations placed on Sligo County Council under the Financial Plan.

Sligo was a very different place than prior to the last Local Elections and was now a Growth Centre in Regional Policy. In excess of 1,200 jobs had been announced recently with an uplift in the economy. There was a far more optimistic outlook than that of previous years.

INTRODUCTION BY HEAD OF FINANCE:

Ms. Whelan, Head of Finance, informed the Meeting that the Local Government Fund for 2019 would be the same as in 2018. In 2017 it had €1 million extra included as part of the Financial Plan. 2018 and 2019 had a reduced figure.

Details of the Financial Plan and overall summary were set out on pages 4 and 5 of the draft Budget 2019 document.

The main provisions, set out on pages 5 and 6 were outlined to the Meeting as follows:

Housing Adaptation Grants €1,950,000 that required 20% local match funding,
Housing Maintenance and Housing Estate Management had an overall increase of €43,000,
Operation of Homeless Service had increased,
Local Roads had increased by €60,000 and Public lighting by €50,000,
Increase in Economic Development and Promotion,
Urban and Village Renewal included €15,000 for Enniscrone Plebiscite,
Litter control initiatives €6,000,
Operation of Fire Service
Parks, pitches and open spaces,
Recreational development which included matching funding for grant Sligo County Council were receiving,
Contributions to other Bodies Arts Programme/Festivals had increased by €20,000
Coastal Protection €20,000
Local Election Costs €100,000
Local Representation and Civic Leadership and
Within Central Management Charge – Service Support Costs – there were increases for G.D.P.R., Buildings Management, Cyber Insurance, Disability Consultative Committee, Smart Cities development and I.T. Microsoft Licence fees.

RATE COLLECTION/ REFUNDS:

Following a discussion on the collection of rates from owners of vacant commercial premises it was

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

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

to collect the rates in respect of all commercial property in Sligo;
to prepare a draft Refund Scheme which will allow the Council to refund 33% of the rates on vacant properties in the Sligo/Strandhill Local Electoral Area;
to include a sum of €1 million as additional income from commercial rates in the Budget for 2019;
to introduce a Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme to promote job creation and employment in Sligo.”

Councillor Bree advised the Meeting that he had moved a similar motion at the 2017 Budget Meeting and he felt that Members might have reconsidered the issue.

Councillor Keaney queried the cost of the K.P.M.G. Report and noted that Councillors had not been asked for their input.

DIVISION A: HOUSING & BUILDING:

Mr. B. Gavin, A/D.O.S. advised the Meeting that details of this Division were set out commencing on page 36 of the draft Budget book.

The Acting Director welcomed that Sligo County Council were back building houses. The development at Fr. O’Flanagan Terrace had been finished recently and works were commencing at Knappagh Road and Rosses Point Road in Cartron. Sligo County Council was fortunate to have had sites available with some local authorities not having any land bank.

Other areas highlighted by Mr. Gavin were

Voids were identified by Mr. Gavin as another important aspect of the Council’s work.
Sligo County Council managed more than 2,000 housing units and were always under pressure for maintenance.
The demand for grant assistance had increased and there was increased pressure from a resources point of view.
It was hoped to increase the staff complement to carry out additional inspections in 2019.
There was a reliance on the private sector for units.
A lot of Landlords were not willing to renew their RAS Contracts. This meant having to source additional properties as they were now opting for the HAP Scheme.
Resources were very tight on a day to day basis.
Mr. Gavin complimented the Housing staff and said what the staff had to manage in terms of resources was very difficult. It was the same situation on the capital side of Housing. There had been a movement of staff and other areas were now recruiting.

Mr. Gavin said he would take any questions the Members might have in this area at that time.

Councillor MacManus thanked the Director of Services for his report and concurred with the points made regarding the difficulties with the R.A.S. and H.A.P. Schemes. Rents in some areas of Sligo town had risen by 29% over the previous three years.

Councillor MacManus then sought clarification regarding the following:

Housing Scheme in Maugheraboy.
Commencement date for work on T-junction in Devins’ Drive, Cranmore and
Proposals for a new Community Centre in Cranmore.

Councillor Bree enquired when the development would commence on the two developments at the Rosses Point Road and Collooney and when they would be available for Tenants on the Housing list.

He further noted that €2.4 million had been paid out under the H.A.P. Scheme and almost €3 million in R.A.S. to Landlords in Sligo.

Councillor Clarke noted the inclusion of a sum of €15,000 for the Enniscrone Plebiscite and said that the Committee would welcome that. He further enquired if the timeline for construction of ten houses in Dromore West was available.

Members acknowledged the work carried out by the Housing Staff and agreed with the Director of Service’s comments regarding the difficult circumstances they were working under. They also welcomed the delivery of high quality, flagship developments in Sligo including the recently occupied development at Fr. O’Flanagan Terrace at Forthill in Sligo town.

Councillor Gormley noted that development at Connolly Park in Tubbercurry was back on the agenda and sought an update on the commencement date for the works.

In reply to the numerous queries raised by the Members, Mr. Gavin provided information in relation to a number of issues:

Maugheraboy land
Works on the T-junction at Cranmore
Pilot Scheme – Stage III
Community Centre in Cranmore – a letter of approval had been received in previous days. This was one of the funding streams that was going into the project. The sum notified included the Community Centre, environmental works and improvement works.
Rosses Point Road Scheme
Collooney Scheme
Fr. O’Flanagan Terrace,
Demand for ‘Affordable Housing’ –maisonettes in Doorly Park. That was a site the Council would like to develop as private housing.
Connolly Park – the Director of Services said he would revert to the Members with the dates requested regarding this development.

The positive comments regarding staff were again acknowledged by the Director of Services.

At this point, the Chief Executive interjected to advise of the latest announcements of grants under the U.R.D.F. call for proposals. He stated that in addition to the recent success under the R.R.D.F. where Sligo had been awarded funding for two projects out of 18 successful applications, a further three projects had just been approved under the U.R.D.F. They included:

Eastern Garavogue Bridge €3.3 million
O’Connell Street Enhancement €1.236 million
Sligo Cultural Plaza €750,000

In further discussion, it was clarified that this was additional funding to what had been originally announced and granted and meant that the schemes could be concluded to a high standard. It was confirmed that the schemes would be transformative for Sligo.

Councillor O’Grady and other Members welcomed the clarification and replies given by the Chief Executive and the Director of Services.

DIVISION B: ROADS TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY:

Mr. T. Kilfeather, Director of Services set out details of funding from the Department and grant allocations from the T.I.I. Funding for Clár, Local Improvement Scheme and Community Involvement Schemes was also acknowledged. It was hoped that details of the 2019 Allocation would be available by the end of December or January to be brought before the Municipal Districts in February.

Mr. Kilfeather highlighted the busy year it had been for Sligo County Council with an additional sum of €600,000 being received in February. The work carried out by Mr. Tom Brennan, Senior Engineer and his staff to deliver on Schemes during 2018 was highlighted by the Director of Services.

The Director of Services brought the Members through the many sections dealt with in the Roads, Transportation and Safety programme, as set out from page 56 of the draft Budget book:

Road Transportation and Safety

National Primary Roads and
Regional Routes.

National Road Maintenance Works

B01 – National Primary Road Maintenance
B02 – National Secondary Road Maintenance

Non National Roads

Restoration Improvement Grant
Restoration Maintenance Grant
Discretionary Grant
Drainage Grant
Community Involvement Schemes
Local Improvement Schemes
Low Cost Safety Improvement Works and
Other Works.

Non National Strategic Improvement Schemes

Western Distributor Road
Eastern Garavogue Bridge and approach roads project
Bridge Rehabilitation 2018
Markievicz footbridge project

National Road Major Road Schemes

O’Connell Street Enhancement Project

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
Management of Invasive Alien Plant Species.

Mr. Kilfeather provided further details regarding the Eastern Garavogue Bridge, Burton Street Link and Markievicz Bridge.

The Meeting was informed by the Director of Services that Sligo County Council was heading into a year with levels of infrastructural investment never seen in Sligo before. In the region of €125 million would be invested over a three year period. In their own way, each of the Schemes was very important. When all put together, they would underpin Sligo as a Regional Growth Centre.

A significant number of staff would be required, particularly Engineering staff. This would have a huge impact on the current staff structure and Members were asked for their patience with the number of changes that would arise in the coming 12-18 months.

The Chief Executive again referred to the announcement that morning and said when the capital schemes of the Eastern Garavogue Bridge, O’Connell Street enhancement, the N4 and Western Distributor Route were taken together, this would be in terms of 300 construction jobs. There would be construction positions on site in 2019 and this would be a very significant boost to the local economy.

Members paid tribute to Mr. Kilfeather and the staff in his Directorate for their work in this vast area of the Council’s activities.

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Leas-Cathaoirleach, Councillor P. Taylor, took the Chair at 11.55 a.m. and the Cathaoirleach resumed his seat at 12.05 p.m.

DIVISION B: ROADS TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY

(CONTINUED):

Mr. Kilfeather thanked all the Members for their kind words regarding his work and that of his staff. The Director of Services said that the Members were always complimentary whenever issues arose in the Chamber.

The Director of Services then responded to Members’ queries regarding funding for the N59 road, Markievicz footbridge, the N17, Road R294, Coolaney footbridge and control of Invasive Alien Plant Species.

Members were also informed about the upcoming retirements of Senior Engineers in the Directorate – Mr. Gary Salter and Mr. Pat Doyle. They wished both staff Members well and also those moving to new roles in Sligo town and county.

DIVISION C: WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES:

In relation to Division C – Water Services, the Director of Services referred to the tables set out on Pages 75-76. In particular, the Meeting was advised that in tables C04 and C05, all costs were recouped from ‘Irish Water’.

Details of the ‘Find and Fix’ programme were also relayed to the Members. It was noted that Sligo County Council was one of the first local authorities in the country to move ahead with this programme. A team of seven staff were engaged on this work which targeted leakages. They were working in the North Sligo, Grange, Carney, Cliffoney and Mullaghmore areas. There had been a resultant savings in the region of €300,000.

In the Lough Talt area, about 300,000 litres, with a €150,000 cost of producing the water, had also been saved. There were a lot of leaks on the private side and these were being worked through.

In relation to capital works, Members were informed about

Lough Talt Regional Water Supply Scheme
Foxes’ Den upgrade
Wastewater infrastructure – in particular, the significant capital schemes D.B.O. bundle Scheme in Tubbercurry, Grange, Strandhill and Ballinafad
Sligo and Environs
Ballymote, Collooney and Ballinacarrow upgrade of Ballymote Plant.
Mullaghmore and Donegal Scheme
Irish Water Capital Folio
Lough Easkey Scheme
Ardtrasna Scheme
Ballymote/Templehouse Road and
Ongoing lead replacement service.

Members again raised some queries regarding the above and these were dealt with by the Director of Services.

ADJOURNMENT FOR LUNCH:

The Meeting adjourned at 12.45 p.m. and resumed at 1.20 p.m.

DIVISION D: DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT:

Ms. D. Clarke, Director of Services drew the Members’ attention to tables on pages 91 to 93 of the draft Budget book. This set out the expenditure and income in respect of this Division.

The following areas were highlighted by the Director of Services:

Planners had experienced an increase in pre-Planning Meetings. It was hoped that this would result in future development in Sligo. An increased provision for income from Planning fees had been included in the draft budget book as a result.
Other initiatives in the Planning Section included the Vacant Sites Levy and Register.
New national I.T. System for Planning applications.
Forward Planning – the N.W.R.A. had approved Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies. When adopted, it would be a matter for all local authorities to review their County Development Plans to ensure that they were compliant with the National Planning Framework.
Preparation of Local Area Plan for Sligo and Environs.
Review of Central Block Development at Wine Street.
Public Realm Strategy had been included for an application under the U.R.D.F. It was hoped that, in a few months time, the Council would be made aware if the application was successful under a ‘Further development’ application.
Building Control Management Systems – managed by the L.G.M.A.
Funding for the Council’s Heritage service was maintained at the 2018 level. Included under this heading was implementation of the Heritage Plan, Sligo Biodiversity Plan and further implementation of the Greenfort Plan.

In relation to Tourism (Section D05), Ms. Clarke advised the meeting that there was an increasing amount of work and number of activities happening in the tourism area in Sligo. 2018 had been quite busy and quite a lot of capital projects developed would have an impact, i.e. outdoor recreational facilities and town and village walkways. The announcement by Minister Ring in recent weeks of funding under the R.R.D.F. for Strandhill and the Yeats’ Trail was welcomed.

Under the “Annual Contribution” heading, Ms. Clarke referred to contributions of €10,000 to Sligo Airport and €55,000 to Ireland West Airport Knock.

There had also been an increase of €20,000 to bring funding for Sligo Tourism to €130,000.

Community and Economic Development (D06) Ms. Clarke set out details of all the programmes involved under this heading including L.C.D.C., S.I.C.A.P. Programme, Leader Programme, funding from Healthy Ireland and Department of Rural and Community Development. It was hoped that this funding would continued in 2019. The P.P.N. had also received significant investment from the Department of Rural and Community Development and details of same were set out. Local Enterprise Office – Mr. J. Reilly, Head of Enterprise confirmed that the Budget for his Office was in the context of providing financial assistance, training, mentoring and other such programmes for micro-businesses employing up to ten people in county Sligo. The Local Enterprise Office had received some extra funding in 2018 for capital and employment grant aid. The Office had also received further assistance for innovative Programme Pilot based in Sligo.

Members complimented Ms. Clarke and her team for all their work. It was noted that this was a diverse part of the Council’s work that people may not be aware of. As Chair of the L.C.D.C., Councillor Maguire commended the work carried out in the Directorate. Grant notifications could come from the Department at short notice and that resulted in a considerable amount of work to get them over the line.

The Director of Services thanked all the Members for their good wishes and their acknowledgement of the hard work involved in their programmes. Issues raised by Members were then dealt with and further clarified by Ms. Clarke.

DIVISION E: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES:

Members’ attention was then drawn to tables on pages 102 to 104 by Mr. Kilfeather, Director of Services.

Areas dealt with in this Division were

Recovery and Recycling Facilities Operations
Litter Management
Waste Regulations, Monitoring and Enforcement,
Waste Management Planning
Civil Defence
Operation of Fire Service and
Water Quality, Air and Noise Pollution.

In relation to hazardous waste, Mr. Kilfeather confirmed that during 2018 this service had been heavily oversubscribed. Members had asked Sligo County Council to engage with Greenstar and a meeting was upcoming in that regard. It was suggested there would be a day per month, maybe reducing to one day per quarter, for householders to bring their waste to the Depot.

Subject to the E.P.A.’s approval, it was hoped to have the service up and running early in 2019.

Other areas highlighted by Mr. Kilfeather were

Bring Banks
Salary costs
Sligo Cemetery and other Cemeteries in the county
Lifeguards and Beach Wardens in Strandhill
Water management, including lake sampling and
Fire Services.

Members acknowledged the work being undertaken by the Waste Enforcement Officers and Litter Wardens with recycling, etc. and the role outdoor staff played on a day to day basis across the county.

In response to queries from Members, the Director of Services provided information in relation to a number of issues:

Publicity campaign for rubbish collection
Request for extended opening hours at Civic Amenity Site in Tubbercurry
Signage on Bring Banks in conjunction with the North West Drug and Alcohol Task Force,
Beach Warden Scheme in Strandhill
Provision of a columbarium in Rosses Point
Central composting facility in Sligo town
Climate change
Premises along the Garavogue putting loudspeakers out which was affecting people living along the river,
Clean up of Carrentemple bog in Gurteen
Acknowledgement of work undertaken by Tidy Towns Committees
Works required at Court Abbey Cemetery
Eircode project to record Households registered with Waste Collectors.

DIVISION F: RECREATION & AMENITY:

Ms. Clarke set out the headings under this Division, i.e.

Operation of Library and Archival Service
Sligo County Council’s Library Network
Europe Direct
County Museum
Arts Service
Supporting Economic, Tourism and Rural Development
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)
SARURE-INTERREG Europe
Parks and Open Spaces – maintenance and landscaping
Sports Pitches
Town Centre enhancement and
Operation of Arts Programme.

The Director of Services advised the Meeting that a priority for many years had been the provision of a new Library Service for Sligo town. Details of a joint Library service with Sligo I.T. were provided at the Meeting. This had been the subject of a recent U.R.D.F. funding application. This was based on a U.K. model as a new Academic Library was required by I. T. Sligo. This was a ‘further development’ project and would take quite some time to put into fruition. When the Department would get their allocation to consider ‘further development’ projects, it was hoped that Sligo County Council would be successful.

Other areas Ms. Clarke drew the Members’ attention to were

Mobile Library added two additional locations – Dromore West and Cregg House.
The Book Fund remained at the 2018 level.
Pride of Place Awards – Coolaney had received an award as runner up
South and West Tourism included in 2019
The budget for Community and Voluntary Grants had remained as in 2018
€30,000 included for Christmas lights in Sligo town
There was a provision of €230,000 to cover matching funds for grants received, when successful in securing same during the year
€50,000 included towards refurbishment of the Hawk’s Well Theatre (this was funding in year three of four of an agreed contribution of €200,000)
Provision for Rhode Island Programme involving Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon and Clare
‘Landing Space’ in the Embankment building
Measure I of Leader Partnership Company involvement.

In relation to the Arts Service, which dealt with arts and health, young people’s art and music, funding for Festivals and Events,

the Meeting was informed that

Ms. Rhona McGrath was returning from secondment with the E.T.B. In her absence the service had been staffed, on a part-time basis, by Ms. Mary McDonagh. As a result, there was a decrease in income from the E.T.B. in 2019.
There would be an additional workload by way of Creative Ireland in 2019
There was a slight increase in Arts Council funding.

Mr. Kilfeather dealt with the areas of Parks and beaches and the proposed spend under this heading in 2019. Particular reference was made to works at Mitchell Curley Park with lighting for perimeter and drainage works at the Gaelic Pitch.

Ms. Clarke then dealt with issues raised by Members as follows:

Support for new library initiative by the Library Board.
Funding for Christmas lights in smaller towns.
Continued availability of Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2019.

DIVISION G: AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELFARE:

Pages 124 and 125 of the Budget Book set out the Tables in respect of draft Expenditure and Income under this heading for 2019. Mr. Kilfeather advised the Meeting that expenditure for 2019 was expected to be similar to 2018.

The Council would avail of a €50,000 funding allocation from Minister Moran’s Department for the Owenmore River.

In relation to Sligo Harbour, an E.P.A. decision was awaited. Statistics for Port usage, cargo shipments and floating pontoon usage were outlined to the Members. It was felt that trade could expand in this area if maintenance dredging was carried out.

Work on bridges would continue in 2019, subject to Departmental funding. However, funding in general was continuing to decline.

Work carried out by Mr. Gary Salter was acknowledged by the Executive and Members and he was again wished good luck on his upcoming retirement.

Other areas raised by Members and responded to by the Executive were

Feasibility Study for Sligo Port
Funding for works to prevent coastal erosion
Register of Electors
Health issues in Sligo University Hospital
Availability of grants for Piers and Harbour works
Difficulty with provision of matching funds for grant assistance
Climate change and climate protection and the demand for work to be carried out.

DIVISION H: MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES:

Details of Miscellaneous Services were set out from page 128 of the draft Budget book for 2019.

The areas included in this Division were:

Franchise costs
Local Representation and Civic Leadership and
Corporate Services

There was a small increase in the 2019 and this was due to the upcoming Local Elections.

Mr. Gavin and Ms. Whelan responded to queries raised by Members under this Division.

Among the items raised by the Members and clarified by the Directors of Services were:

Sharing of costs for Local Elections 2019 and E.U. Elections.
Costs for operation of Markets referred to the Market Yard in Sligo
Inclusion of salary costs in Register of Electors figure
Field Officers working on updating of Register of Electors
Compilation of Register for three revised Electoral Areas
Purchase of Telesis Machine, at the request of the Joint Policing Committee, where property could be stamped with the Eircode of the Owner’s home or business.

THANKS FROM CATHAOIRLEACH:

The Cathaoirleach thanked the Members for the manner in which they had dealt with the matters raised during the Meeting.

He advised that outstanding issues in relation to funding for Christmas lights would be addressed.

COLLECTION OF RATES IN RESPECT OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:

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

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

to collect the rates in respect of all commercial property in Sligo;
to prepare a draft Refund Scheme which will allow the Council to refund 33% of the rates on vacant properties in the Sligo/Strandhill Local Electoral Area;
to include a sum of €1 million as additional income from commercial rates in the Budget for 2019;
to introduce a Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme to promote job creation and employment in Sligo.”

The Chief Executive advised Members that rate collection in 2013 was 59%; in 2018 it was upwards of 77% This had quite considerable implications with restricted resources. The Executive were in receipt of representations from Elected Representatives regarding Ratepayers with difficulties in paying their rates. There was an underlying assumption in the motion that the rates on vacant premises were collectable. The reason the properties were vacant was because people had difficulties. The assumption in the motion was that rates were paid on vacant properties and refunded by Sligo County Council. Rates were not paid because there was little or no money there to pay them. It was considered irresponsible to put in an additional figure of €1 million receipts for Rates as the Executive could not stand over this figure.

Councillor Bree quoted the legislation and that other Councils collected rates in respect of vacant premises and stated that any monies collected could be set off against the deficit. However, the Members were advised that from their experience on the ground, the proposal could not be justified.

FUNDING FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO GROUPS OUTSIDE SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry

“That €10,000 be ring fenced within the budget of Division F0401 – Recreation and Amenity – for Christmas lights funding to groups outside Sligo town to be funded from a reduction in H0303 Irrecoverable rates.”

ADJOURNMENT OF MEETING:

The Meeting adjourned at 3.30 p.m. to allow the Members to hold further discussions on the draft Budget 2019. The Meeting resumed at 3.55 p.m.

Councillor Bree referred to information circulated to the Members in recent days in relation to the Retained Earnings Dividend and sought clarification on figures contained in a report on 1^st September, 2017 where sums were to be paid out over four years. The most recent report indicated the timeframe was now over five years.

The Chief Executive confirmed that the report that issued in September 2017 was correct at that time. Since then the Council’s Executive had subsequently been advised that it had been decided at a national level to refund the money over a five year period.

COLLECTION OF RATES IN RESPECT OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:

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

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

to collect the rates in respect of all commercial property in Sligo;
to prepare a draft Refund Scheme which will allow the Council to refund 33% of the rates on vacant properties in the Sligo/Strandhill Local Electoral Area;
to include a sum of €1 million as additional income from commercial rates in the Budget for 2019;
to introduce a Long Term Vacant Property Incentive Scheme to promote job creation and employment in Sligo.”

The Cathaoirleach called a vote on the resolution which resulted as follows:

FOR: Councillor Bree, Councillor Keaney and Councillor MacManus (3)

AGAINST: Councillor Baker, Councillor Casserly, Councillor Henry, Councillor Kilgannon, Councillor Lundy, Councillor Maguire, Councillor O’Grady, Councillor Queenan and Councillor Taylor (9)

ABSTAINED: Councillor Clarke and Councillor Gormley (2)

ABSENT: Councillor Healy, Councillor MacSharry, Councillor Mulvey and O’Boyle (4)

The Cathaoirleach then deemed the Resolution lost.

FUNDING FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO GROUPS OUTSIDE SLIGO:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry

AND AGREED

ADOPTION OF BUDGET:

Having considered the Draft Budget the Cathaoirleach requested that a motion be placed before the Members;

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

“That Sligo County Council hereby adopts the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31^st December, 2019 as submitted by the Chief Executive, and as amended at this Meeting, as set out in Tables A, B & C of the said Budget”.

Councillor Bree and Councillor MacManus asked to be recorded as dissenting.

HARMONISATION OF RATES:

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

“That Sligo County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget for the local financial year ending on the 31^st December 2019, 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 2019. The rateable valuation multiplier as determined, being €.23”.

CATHAOIRLEACH’S ALLOWANCE:

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach be fixed at €20,000 per annum with effect from the 1^st January, 2019. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Cathaoirleach within County Sligo”.

MAYOR OF SLIGO MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ALLOWANCE:

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

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Mayor of the Sligo Municipal District be fixed at €12,000 per annum with effect from the 1^st January, 2019. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Mayor within the Municipal District”.

CATHAOIRLEACH OF BALLYMOTE-TOBERCURRY MUNICIPAL DISTRICT ALLOWANCE:

Proposed by Councillor P. Taylor
Seconded by Councillor K. Henry

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Cathaoirleach of the Tubbercurry-Ballymote Municipal District and the Chairperson of each Strategic Policy Committee be fixed at €6,000 per annum with effect from the 1^st January, 2019. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred”.

LEAS-CATHAOIRLEACH’S ALLOWANCE:

Proposed by Councillor K. Henry
Seconded by Councillor S. Kilgannon

AND AGREED

“That the allowance for the Leas Cathaoirleach be fixed at €4,000 per annum with effect from the 1^st January, 2019. This allowance is to be paid monthly in arrears to cover reasonable expenses incurred by the Leas Cathaoirleach within County Sligo”.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT:

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

AND AGREED

“To note the Chief Executive’s Report on the proposed three year Capital Programme 2019-2021 (pages 134-137 of Budget Book)”.

VOTES OF SYMPATHY:

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Breege Davey of Kiltycreen, Bunninadden on the death of her sister, Patricia Burke.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Stephen Giblin of Knockarawer, Bunninadden on the death of his sister, Marion.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to May Cahill of The Rock, Tubbercurry on the death of her husband, Seamus.

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor D. Bree

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Deirdre and Gabriel Browne of Tonaphubble, Sligo on the death of their daughter, Aisling.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Winifred McDermott of Rosses Point on the death of her husband, Noel.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to the Mercy Sisters Community on the death of Sr. Margaret O’Beirne.

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of sympathy be extended to Frank Carty of Rathanoragh, Strandhill Road, Sligo on the death of his brother, Cormac.

VOTES OF CONGRATULATIONS:

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to Easkey G.A.A. Club on the occasion of winning the Connaught Junior Championship.”

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

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Tourlestrane Ladies Football Team on reaching the All-Ireland Gaelic Football Final.”

Proposed by Councillor M. Gormley
Seconded by Councillor M. Casserly

AND AGREED

“That a vote of congratulations be extended to the Sligo Under-16 Team on winning the Fr. Manning Cup.”

CONCLUSION OF MEETING:

The Chief Executive thanked the Members for the manner in which the Meeting had been conducted and for their comments in relation to staff. He also took the opportunity to thank Ms. Whelan, Head of Finance, her staff and the entire Management Team and their staff for their assistance in putting the Budget together. Sligo was operating on a different plane now and would be in 2019 with different challenges facing the county.

The Cathaoirleach added his thanks to the Head of Finance and her team. He acknowledged the difficult number of months they had gone through to put a Budget together. Also, he thanked the Members for their co-operation in dealing with the Budget discussions. The business of the meeting concluded at 4.10 p.m.

Meeting Date 26/11/2018