Minutes: December 2005- Budget Meeting
December 21st, 2005MINUTES AND PROCEEDINGS OF BUDGET MEETING OF LETTERKENNY TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN THE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES, PUBLIC SERVICES CENTRE, NEIL T. BLANEY ROAD, LETTERKENNY ON TUESDAY 20TH DECEMBER, 2005.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Cllr. D. Larkin, Town Mayor, Cllr. C. Brogan, Cllr. V. Fisher, Cllr. N. Clarke, Cllr. G. Mc Monagle, Cllr. J. Harte, Cllr. D. Blake
OFFICIALS PRESENT:
M. Mc Loone, County Manager
Paddy Doherty, Town Clerk
Pat Gillespie, Area Manager (Roads)
Frances Friel, Asst. Town Clerk.
APOLOGIES:
Cllr. J. Crossan, Cllr. J. Lynch
DRAFT BUDGET
Mr. Michael Mc Loone, County Manager presented the Draft Budget provisions for 2006 detailing to the Members the income and expenditure on each programme group. The Manager thanked the Members for their support during the past year and that a number of significant goals had been realised. He outlined the rapid increase in expenditure that had taken place over the years and recommended an increase in the commercial rate of 4%.
A lengthy discussion followed with Members welcoming in general the draft budget as presented and welcomed the investment in the Letterkenny Leisure Complex and the New Town Park etc. The Members queried a number of issues and outlined a number of concerns including their disappointment with the Local Government Fund allocation given Letterkenny’s status as a gateway town. Cllr. V. Fisher outlined his concerns with the continued increase in the rates.
Cllr. D. Blake proposed that that the Council seek an increase of 3% and that the difference in the recommended rate of 4% be sought from the provision for pay and display machines and plant machinery.
ADOPTING OF BUDGET AND DETERMINATION OF ANNUAL RATE ON VALUATION
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Blake seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin the Council resolved to adopt for the financial year ended 31st December, 2006 an annual rate on valuation in the sum of €64.97 (€65.60 proposed in the Draft Estimate) which represented a 3% increase.
This resolution was carried with all Members voting in favour of the resolution.
On the proposal of Cllr. D. Blake seconded by Cllr. D. Larkin the Council resolved to adopt for the Financial Year ended 31st December, 2006 the Budget Provisions as set out in Table A and Table B.
This resolution was carried with all Members voting in favour of the resolution.
Mr. M. Mc Loone, County Manager, thanked the Members for their positive approach and paid tribute to all staff for their work and dedication.
This concluded the business of the meeting.