LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL
Comhairle Chontae Longfoirt
Minutes of Budget Meeting of Longford County Council held in the Council Chamber, Aras an Chontae, Longford on Monday, 17th December 2012 at 2.00 p.m.
PRESIDING: Councillor Sean Farrell, Mayor.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councillors – Larry Bannon, Paddy Belton, Gearoid O Bradaigh, John Browne, Mick Cahill, Micheál Carrigy, Mark Casey, Paul Connell, John Duffy, Frank Kilbride, Donncha Mac Gleannáin, Luie McEntire, Victor Kiernan, Padraig Loughrey, Martin Mulleady, Peggy Nolan, P.J Reilly, Mae Sexton, Barney Steele and Thomas Victory.
IN ATTENDANCE: Mr. Tim Caffrey, County Manager. Mr. Barry Lynch, Head of Finance. Mr. Jack Kilgallen, Director of Services. Mr. Frank Sheridan, Director of Services. Mr. Ciaran Murphy, Senior Executive Officer. Mr. Terry Rooney, Senior Executive Officer. Ms. Maeve Killian, Project Accountant. Ms. Patricia Devine, Administrative Officer.
MEETINGS ADMINISTRATOR: Ms. Anne Lee.
1 Budget 2013 - Introduction by County Manager.
Mr. T. Caffrey, County Manager, informed the meeting that the General-Purpose Grant allocation from the Local Government Fund for Longford County Council for the year 2013 has been confirmed at €11,488,728 - this represents a 2.10% increase on the 2012 Local Government Fund allocation. The County Manager stated that there is no proposed increase in Commercial Rates (for the 4th year running) and no proposed increase in Commercial Water Charges .
Impact of Compliance issues; e.g. Review of the County Development Plan, Quarries, Health & Safety remain an ongoing cost to the Local Authority.
The County Manager stated that while the Local Government Fund Grant shows a welcome increase for the first time since 2008, most other sources of income are under pressure due to the economic downturn -
1. Anticipated reduced Road Grants. 2. Reduced resources, both Human and Financial. 3. Reduced Rental income. 4. Reduced Rates income. 5. Reduced Water and Wastewater income. 6. Reduced Planning Fees and Development Levies. 7. Additional compliance issues, e.g. Review of the County Dev. Plan, Local Area Plan, Quarries.
The Draft Budget has been framed against a very difficult economic backdrop. Priority has been given to maintaining essential services and complying with statutory requirements. Delivering the budget will present a considerable challenge to Council staff in the context of scarce resources.
The executive will continue to explore all options to improve efficiencies; for example in the areas of Shared Services – better use of IT Procurement, VFM, Energy, Payroll, Human Resources etc.
The County Manager stated that despite the continued downturn in 2012, there were a number of significant achievements over the year including the following -
1. Significant planning and construction activity in the County’s Water and Wastewater Services infrastructure in 2013 e.g. Longford Town Sewerage Scheme which will cater for the town’s requirements for the next 20 years. The 5-Village Sewerage Scheme for Newtownforbes, Drumlish, Ardagh, Aughnacliffe and Ballinalee which is ongoing and expected completion by the end of 2013. 2. Longford County Council together with Longford Town Council purchased Connolly Barracks. It is our intention to revitalise this important location which no doubt will be very challenging in these difficult times. 3. Significant resources have been put into resolving the problem of Unfinished Estates. 4. In the area of Economic and Enterprise Development, the new enhanced role in economic development and enterprise support will see Local Enterprise support services being integrated with Local Authorities and the establishment of Local Enterprise Offices (or LEO’s) in Longford which will provide a strong platform for Longford County Council’s economic role. The LEO’s will take on the role of the County Enterprise Board and will provide a one-stop shop for the Micro Enterprise and Small Business sector, delivering direct enterprise support and co-ordinating access to other services for businesses which will greatly strengthen the important role of Longford County Council in supporting enterprises.
2 5. The County Manager paid tribute to the current County Enterprise Board which has representatives from the Council on it and which has helped significantly in the creation of many jobs in the County. 6. Possible new Fire Station in Lanesboro. 7. Possible extension to Longford Fire Station. 8. Possible new Library in Granard. 8. Tourism –initiatives taken last year e.g. Cycleways, Walkways, Tourism Brochure.
The County Manager stated that the draft Budget was drafted following detailed discussions with the Corporate Policy Group and the Finance Committee of the Council, following which a number of proposals were submitted for consideration. The members also raised a number of queries and requested replies at the Statutory meeting.
Members Queries from Finance Committee Meeting.
Mr. B. Lynch, Head of Finance, outlined the details of the following queries raised by the members at the Finance Committee Meeting and replied to further queries raised –
Costs of providing water services Overall costs for each Service Division. Housing - Part V - How much has been collected and how much has been spent to date. Rates - Total Demand – Vacancies and Write offs – Anticipated collection. Planning Enforcement statistics. Environment - Street Cleaning. Abbatoirs. VEC Contribution. Staff travel & subsistence, training, legal, professional fees, overtime and allowances. Members Expenses.
Service Division A - Housing and Building:
The total estimated expenditure for this Service Division amounts to €6,077,500 and total estimated income amounts to €6,651,863.
Details were given to the meeting under the following headings:-
Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service:-
Maintenance/Improvement of Local Authority Housing. Housing Assessment, Allocation and Transfer. Housing Rent and Tenant Purchase Administration. Housing Community Development Support. Administration of Homeless Service. Support to Housing Capital Programme. RAS programme. Housing Loans. Housing Grants Agency and Recoupable Services.
3 Income by Source.
Government Grants and Subsidies. Goods and Services.
The County Manager and Head of Finance replied to queries raised. The members requested that the allocation for housing maintenance be increased.
It was noted that a Special meeting regarding housing issues will be held at 2.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 16th January 2013.
Service Division B - Roads and Transportation & Safety:
The estimated expenditure is €9,056,210 and the total estimated income is €5,952,965.
Details were given to the meeting under the following headings:-
Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service:-
National Primary Road - Maintenance and Improvement. National Secondary Road - Maintenance and Improvement. Regional Road - Improvement and Maintenance. Local road - Maintenance and Improvement. Public Lighting. Traffic Management Improvement. Road Safety Engineering Improvements. Road Safety Promotion/Education. Car Parking. Support to Roads Capital Programme. Agency and Recoupable Services.
Income by Source.
Government Grants and Subsidies. Goods and Services.
Mr. J. Kilgallen, Director of Services, replied to queries raised by the members.
Energy Saving Public Lighting.
The members expressed concern regarding the installation of new energy saving public lighting in various areas throughout the town and county and stated that the new lighting is not bright enough.
Mr. J. Kilgallen, Director of Services, stated that when lighting is being upgraded in estates, the Council’s approach has been to apply to Sustainable Energy Ireland for a grant. The grants are allocated on condition that the public lighting is installed to what is deemed to be modern day standards and security. The LED lighting is much more efficient than the old candescent type lighting. 4 Mr. Kilgallen stated that he will meet with residents from the Demesne and College Park in Longford town regarding the new lighting.
Councillor P. Nolan proposed and Councillor P. Connell seconded that no more LED replacement projects are to proceed until this issue has been resolved in the Demesne and College Park in Longford town.
Local Improvement Schemes.
It was agreed that a further letter be forwarded to the Department of Transport requesting that funding for Local Improvement Schemes be re-instated.
Service Division C - Water Services:
The estimated expenditure is €8,040,144 and the total estimated income is €2,681,476.
Details were given to the meeting under the following headings:-
Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service:-
Water Supply. Waste Water Treatment. Collection of Water and Waste Water Charges. Public Conveniences. Administration of Group and Private Installations. Support to Water Capital Programme. Agency and Recoupable Services.
Income by Source.
Government Grants and Subsidies. Goods and Services.
The Director of Services replied to queries raised by the members. The issue of the setting up of Water Ireland was discussed in detail.
Councillor P. Nolan requested that it be recorded in the minute of the meeting that she does not approve of fluoride being added to the public water supply.
Service Division D - Development Management:
The total estimated expenditure is €2,947,370 and the total estimated income is €334,201.
Details were given to the meeting under the following headings:-
5 Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service:- Forward Planning. Development Management. Enforcement. Industrial and Commercial Facilities. Tourism Development and Promotion. Community and Enterprise Function. Unfinished Housing Estates. Building Control. Economic Development and Promotion. Property Management. Heritage and Conservation Services. Agency and Recoupable Services.
Income by Source.
Government Grants and Subsidies. Goods and Services.
Mr. F. Sheridan, Director of Services, and the Head of Finance replied to queries raised.
Service Division E - Environmental Services:
The total estimated expenditure is €4,589,571 and the total estimated income is €540,060.
Details were given to the meeting under the following headings:-
Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service:-
Landfill Operation and Aftercare. Recovery and Recycling Facilities Operations. Waste to Energy Facilities Operations. Provision of Waste to Collection Services. Litter Management. Street Cleaning. Waste Regulations, Monitoring and Enforcement. Waste Management Planning. Maintenance and Upkeep of Burial Grounds. Safety of Structures and Places. Operation of Fire Service. Fire Prevention. Water Quality, Air and Noise Pollution. Agency and Recoupable Services.
Income by Source.
Government Grants and Subsidies. Goods and Services.
Mr. Kilgallen and the Head of Finance replied to queries raised.
6 Service Division F - Recreation and Amenity:
The total estimated expenditure is €2,215,490 and the total estimated income is €386,077.
Details were given to the meeting under the following headings:-
Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service:-
Leisure Facilities Operations. Operation of Library and Archival Service Outdoor Leisure Areas Operations. Community Sport and Recreational Development. Operation of Arts Programme. Agency and Recoupable Services.
Income by Source.
Government Grants and Subsidies. Goods and Services.
The Director of Services and Head of Finance replied to queries raised.
The members requested that the contribution to Community Groups be increased in the 2013 Budget.
Service Division G - Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare.
The total estimated expenditure is €1,352,402 and the total estimated income is €1,117,344.
Details were given to the meeting under the following headings:-
Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service:-
Land Drainage Costs. Operation and Maintenance of Piers and Harbours. Veterinary Service. Educational Support Services. Agency and Recoupable Services.
Income by Source.
Government Grants and Subsidies. Goods and Services.
Councillor P. Connell queried the contribution to Joint Drainage Bodies.
Councillor Connell stated that he and Councillor Sean Farrell were appointed members of the Shannon River Basin District Advisory Council at the first Annual meeting of the Council held in 2009 and that, as far as he is aware, no meeting of the Advisory Council has been held since 2009.
7 The meeting was informed that Mr. Tom Murtagh, Senior Engineer, represents the executive on the Shannon River Basin District Advisory Council.
Service Division H - Miscellaneous Services:
The total estimated expenditure is €3,565,292 and the total estimated income is €1,463,350.
Details were given to the meeting under the following headings:-
Expenditure by Service and Sub-Service:-
Profit/Loss Machinery Account. Profit/Loss Stores Account. Administration of Rates. Franchise Costs. Operation of Morgue and Coroner Expenses. Weighbridges. Operation of Markets and Casual Trading. Malicious Damage. Local Representation/Civic Leadership. Motor Taxation. Agency and Recoupable Services.
Income by Source.
Government Grants and Subsidies. Goods and Services.
Rates.
Councillor P. Belton proposed and Councillor D. Glennon seconded a 1% reduction in commercial rates, leaving the Annual Rate on Valuation at €65.35.
It was further proposed that the contribution to Community Groups be increased and that the allocation for housing maintenance be increased in the Budget for 2013.
Suspension of Standing Orders.
Councillor P. Connell proposed and Councillor F. Kilbride seconded that Standing Orders be suspended to allow the meeting to continue.
Adjournment of Meeting.
The meeting adjourned for thirty minutes to allow the Corporate Policy Group to deliberate on the proposals made by the members.
The meeting reconvened at 5.45 p.m. 8 Amendments to Draft Budget 2012 -
The following amendments were proposed by Councillor P. Belton seconded by Councillor D. Glennon and unanimously agreed by the members -
Expenditure and Income Adjustment €
Water Services 40,000.00 reduce expenditure. Water Plants & Networks Environmental Services 27,607.00 reduce expenditure. Water Quality Management €67,607.00
Allocation of Funds Raised €
Housing Maintenance 10,000.00 increase expenditure.
Community grants 10,000.00 increase expenditure
Rates 47,607.00 income reduced
€ 67,607.00
Service Division A - Housing and Building:
On the proposal of Councillor P. Nolan seconded by Councillor P. Connell, it was agreed that Service Division A - Housing and Building, as amended, be adopted.
Service Division B - Roads and Transportation & Safety:
On the proposal of Councillor F. Kilbride seconded by Councillor M. Mulleady, it was agreed that Service Division B – Roads and Transportation & Safety be adopted.
Service Division C - Water Services:
On the proposal of Councillor M. Cahill seconded by Councillor L. Bannon, it was agreed that Service Division C – Water Services, as amended, be adopted.
Service Division D - Development Management:
On the proposal of Councillor P.J. Reilly seconded by Councillor J. Duffy, it was agreed that Service Division D – Development Management be adopted.
9 Service Division E - Environmental Services:
On the proposal of Councillor P. Nolan seconded by Councillor V. Kiernan, it was agreed that Service Division E - Environmental Services, as amended, be adopted.
Service Division F - Recreation and Amenity:
On the proposal of Councillor T. Victory seconded by Councillor F. Kilbride, it was agreed that Service Division F – Recreation and Amenity, as amended, be adopted.
Service Division G - Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare.
On the proposal of Councillor L. McEntire seconded by Councillor G. Brady, it was agreed that Service Division G – Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare be adopted.
Service Division H - Miscellaneous Services:
On the proposal of Councillor L. Bannon seconded by Councillor B. Steele, it was agreed that Service Division H – Miscellaneous Services be adopted.
ADOPTION OF BUDGET:
It was proposed by Councillor P. Belton and seconded by Councillor D. Glennon and unanimously resolved that Longford County Council adopt for the Financial year ending 31st December 2013 the Budget as amended.
It was proposed by Councillor P. Belton and seconded by Councillor D. Glennon and unanimously resolved that the Council adopts for the financial year ending 31st December 2013, the Budget set out in Tables A – F, as amended and by Resolution determined in accordance with the said Budget the Rates set out in Tables B and C amended to €65.35 to be the annual rate on valuation to be levied for 2013 for the purposes set out in those Tables.
All the members complimented the Head of Finance, the staff in the Finance Section and the Executive for the preparation of the Draft Budget for 2013.
The County Manager thanked the Mayor, Members of the Corporate Policy Group, Members of the Council, Head of Finance and the staff of the Finance Section and the Directors of Services for their input into the preparation of the Draft Budget for 2013.
Mr. B. Lynch, Head of Finance, also thanked the Mayor, Members of the Corporate Policy Group, Directors of Services and their staff and the staff in the Finance Section for their input into the preparation of the Draft Budget for 2013.
10 Capital Budget 2012 – 2014.
The report on Capital Budget 2013 – 2015, as circulated with the Agenda for the Budget Meeting, was noted.
This concluded the business of the meeting.
Signed: ______Anne Lee, Meetings Administrator.
Confirmed and adopted at Monthly Meeting of Longford County Council held on the 16th January 2013.
Signed: ______Mayor.
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