MINUTES OF MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL ADJOURNED BUDGET MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 27th JANUARY, 2003, AT 3

MINUTES OF MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL ADJOURNED BUDGET MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 27^th JANUARY, 2003, AT 3.30 p.m.

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The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. T. Quinn, was in the Chair.

The other Councillors present were:-

Cllrs. E. Caffrey, B. Golden, S. Molloy, A.M. Reape, E. Staunton, S. Weir, M. Burke, J. Mannion, D. Ryan, G. Coyle, P. Kilbane, F. Leneghan, S. Bourke, Patk. Burke, H. Kenny, J. Mee, J. Carty, T.D., J. Cribbin, R. Finn, P. McHugh, J. Flannery, J. Maloney, J. Mellett, G. Murray, M. Adams, F. Chambers, M. Ring, T.D., P. Sweeney.

The Officers in attendance were:-

Mr. D. Mahon, Co. Manager, Mr. J. Beirne, Dir. of Services / Co. Engineer, Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services, Mr. J. Condon, Meetings Administrator, Mr. T. Mullen, Head of Finance, Mr. P. Hynes, Dir. of Services, Mr. S. Granahan, Dir. of Services, Mr. R. Norton, Dir. of Services, Mr. J. Coll, Dir. of Services, Mr. I. Douglas, Sen. Planner, Mr. S. Murphy, Chief Fire Officer, Ms. E. McCormack, Financial Accountant, Mr. P. Duggan, Management Accoun-

tant, Mr. P. Commons, Sen. Ex. Officer, Mr. P. Flanagan, Sen. Ex. Officer, Mr. A. Vaughan, Co. Librarian, Ms. A. McCarthy, Arts Officer, Mr. J. Moran, Sen. Staff Officer, Ms. C. Kenny, A/Staff Officer, Ms. P. Roche, Cler. Officer.

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Discussion continued on the Annual Budget of Mayo County Council.

ITEM NO. 1.

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- TO CONSIDER THE BUDGET OF MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE

FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31^stDECEMBER, 2003, AND

- TO ADOPT THE SAID BUDGET WITH OR WITHOUT AMENDMENT;

- TO DETERMINE BY RESOLUTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAID

BUDGET AS ADOPTED THE ANNUAL RATE TO BE LEVIED FOR THE

PURPOSES SET OUT IN TABLE B OF THE SAID BUDGET FOR THE

FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31^st DECEMBER, 2003, AND

- TO DETERMINE BY RESOLUTION THE CHARGES TO BE MADE FOR

SERVICES PROVIDED IN RESPECT OF DOMESTIC PREMISES FOR

REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE AND FIRE BRIGADE SERVICE.

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PROGRAMME GROUP 3 - WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE.

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Mr. S. Granahan, Dir. of Services, outlined details of Programme Group 3 – Water Supply and Sewerage.

A detailed discussion ensued on this Programme Group during which reference was made to the following:-

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- The high quality of water in the County;

- The lack of progress on the Shrule/Kilmaine Water Supply Scheme;

- The upgrading of the Water Treatment Plant at Bohola;

- Foxford Sewerage Works;

- Kiltimagh Sewerage Treatment Plant;

- Extension to Charlestown Sewerage Scheme;

- Sewage Disposal Units;

- The inadequacy of the water supply in Glenamoy, Mountjubilee

and Ballycroy;

- Geesala, Ballycroy and Belmullet Sewerage Schemes;

- Strategic Rural Water Plan;

- Grants for water supply to individual houses;

- Major leakages in Group Water Schemes;

- Polluter Pays Principle;

- Water rates on commercial premises;

- Refuse Charges;

- The availability of Grants for the upgrading of Group Water Schemes.

Queries raised by the Members under this Programme Group were replied to by Mr. S. Granahan, Dir. of Services, Mr. J. Beirne, Dir. of Services / Co. Engineer and Mr. T. Mullen, Head of Finance.

PROGRAMME GROUP 4 - DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES AND CONTROLS.

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Mr. D. Mahon, Co. Manager, outlined details of Programme Group 4 – Development Incentives and Controls.

A detailed discussion took place under this Programme Group during which reference was made to the following:-

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- The decrease in the number of Planning applications being

received;

- The review and putting in place of the Mayo County Development

Plan;

- The inadequacy of funding allocated to Mayo Naturally;

- Social Inclusion and the setting up of a Pilot Scheme for the

Erris area;

- The Town and Village Enhancement Scheme;

- The Social and Economic Fund;

- The abolition of the Student Summer Job Scheme;

- Once-off Rural Housing in Ireland;

- The promotion of domestic tourism;

- Community development;

- The funding being allocated to the Special Olympics 2003;

- The Enterprise and Employment Fund;

- The introduction of one and two hour parking zones.

Proposed by Cllr. R. Finn

Seconded by Cllr. B. Golden

Resolved:-

“That this Council invite professionals who are involved in Forward Planning to address a Meeting of the Council”.

Mr. J. Coll, Dir. of Services, replied to queries raised by the Councillors under this Programme Group.

PROGRAMME GROUP 5 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.

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Mr. R. Norton, Dir. of Services, outlined details of Programme Group 5 – Environmental Protection.

A detailed discussion ensued under this Programme Group during which reference was made to the following:-

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- The continued promotion of Environmental Awareness;

- Community involvement in the maintenance and upkeep of

Burial Grounds;

- The success of the Derrinumera Landfill Site;

- Derelict Sites;

- The success of the Spring Clean Up Campaign;

- The issue of rural areas not being provided with a Refuse

Collection Service;

- Fire Brigade charges;

- That more emphasis be placed on recycling;

- The Mayo Sludge Management Plan;

- The lack of Fire Services in Ballycastle;

- The provision of a Fire Station in Knock.

Mr. R. Norton, Dir. of Services, Mr. T. Mullen, Head of Finance, Mr. S. Murphy, Chief Fire Officer and Mr. D. Mahon, Co. Manager, replied to queries raised by the Members under this Programme Group.

PROGRAMME GROUP 6 - RECREATION AND AMENITY.

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Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services, outlined details of Programme Group 6 – Recreation and Amenity.

A discussion took place under this Programme Group during which reference was made to the following:-

- The deficits being experienced in the running of Swimming

Pools in the County;

- The necessity to maintain the 13 Blue Flag Beaches in the County;

- The necessity to improve car parking facilities at Beaches

throughout the County;

- The success of the Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park House;

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- The excellent work being carried out by the Arts Service and the

Library Service;

- The condition of the Library in Westport;

- The provision of a Civic Amenity Site in Westport;

- The upgrading of the Castlebar to Westport Road;

- The decentralisation of Planning and Motor Taxation to Westport;

The time being 8.00 p.m., it was -

Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. M. Burke

Resolved:-

“That “Standing Orders” be suspended in order to allow discussion on

the Annual Budget to continue”.

- That consideration be given to the appointment of a Heritage

Officer in the County;

- The provision of increased funding for Archives;

- That the Council consider the appointment of a Youth Officer

in the County;

- The Mobile Library Service;

- Foxford Library.

Queries raised by the Members under this Programme Group were replied to by Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services, Mr. A. Vaughan, Co. Librarian, Ms. A. McCarthy, Arts Officer and Mr. D. Mahon, Co. Manager.

PROGRAMME GROUP 7 - AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE.

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Mr. D. Mahon, Co. Manager, outlined details of Programme Group 7 – Agriculture, Education, Health and Welfare.

A detailed discussion took place under this Programme Group during which reference was made to the following:-

- The amount of funding available for Agricultural Shows;

- The maintenance of Piers and Harbours in the County;

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- The crisis situation of Coastal Erosion in the County;

- Higher Education Grants;

- The excellent work being carried out by the Veterinary Service

of Mayo County Council.

Proposed by Cllr. E. Staunton

Seconded by Cllr. G. Coyle

Resolved:-

“That the Minister for Agriculture and Food, Mr. Joe Walsh, T.D., be requested to receive a Deputation from Mayo County Council in order to discuss the Commonage Framework Plan”.

Mr. J. Loftus, Dir. of Services and Mr. D. Mahon, Co. Manager, replied to queries raised by the Members under this Programme Group.

PROGRAMME GROUP 8 - MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES.

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Mr. T. Mullen, Head of Finance, outlined details of Programme Group 8 – Miscellaneous Services.

A discussion took place on this Programme during which reference was made to the following:-

- The level of Overdraft;

- The condition of the Courthouse in Claremorris;

- Better Local Government;

- European Computer Drivers Licence.

The time being 10.25 p.m., it was -

Proposed by Cllr. F. Chambers

Seconded by Cllr. P. McHugh

Resolved:-

“That the Meeting be adjourned for 20 minutes”.

The Meeting resumed at 10.45 p.m.

Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. F. Chambers

(a) “That the annual rate for 2003 be increased by 6%;

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(b) That the charge in respect of each domestic premises which

is serviced by a Refuse Collection Service for the Financial

Year ending 31^st December, 2003, be as follows:-

(a) €250 for a 140 litre Bin;

(b) €320 for a 240 litre Bin;

(c) That the Notice of Motion Allocation per Councillor be increased

to €30,000 and the Special Allocation per Councillor be increased

to €25,000”.

Proposed by Cllr. P. Kilbane

Seconded by Cllr. M. Burke

(a) “That the annual rate for 2003 be increased by 5.5%;

(b) That the charge in respect of each domestic premises which

is serviced by a Refuse Collection Service for the Financial

Year ending 31^st December, 2003, be as follows:-

(a) €190 for a 140 litre Bin

(b) €300 for a 240 litre Bin;

(c) That the Notice of Motion Allocation per Councillor be increased

to €30,000 and the Special Allocation per Councillor be increased

to €25,000”.

A Vote was taken on the amendment as proposed by Cllr. P. Kilbane and seconded by Cllr. M. Burke which resulted as follows:-

FOR AGAINST

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Cllr. M. Burke Cllr. M. Adams

Cllr. Patk. Burke Cllr. S. Bourke

Cllr. E. Caffrey Cllr. J. Carty

Cllr. G. Coyle Cllr. F. Chambers

Cllr. J. Cribbin Cllr. R. Finn

Cllr. H. Kenny Cllr. B. Golden

Cllr. P. Kilbane Cllr. F. Leneghan

Cllr. J. Mannion Cllr. J. Maloney

Cllr. J. Mee Cllr. P. McHugh

Cllr. J. Mellett Cllr. S. Molloy

Cllr. G. Murray Cllr. T. Quinn

Cllr. M. Ring Cllr. A.M. Reape

Cllr. E. Staunton Cllr. D. Ryan

Cllr. S. Weir Cllr. P. Sweeney

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14 14

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As the Vote resulted in 14 For and 14 Against, the Meetings Administrator advised the Cathaoirleach that he had a Casting Vote and the Cathaoirleach then exercised his Casting Vote against the proposal.

A Vote was then taken on the Motion as proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh and seconded by Cllr. F. Chambers which resulted as follows:-

FOR AGAINST

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Cllr. M. Adams Cllr. M. Burke

Cllr. S. Bourke Cllr. Patk. Burke

Cllr. J. Carty Cllr. E. Caffrey

Cllr. F. Chambers Cllr. G. Coyle

Cllr. R. Finn Cllr. J. Cribbin

Cllr. B. Golden Cllr. H. Kenny

Cllr. F. Leneghan Cllr. P. Kilbane

Cllr. J. Maloney Cllr. J. Mannion

Cllr. P. McHugh Cllr. J. Mee

Cllr. S. Molloy Cllr. J. Mellett

Cllr. T. Quinn Cllr. G. Murray

Cllr. A.M. Reape Cllr. M. Ring

Cllr. D. Ryan Cllr. E. Staunton

Cllr. P. Sweeney Cllr. S. Weir

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14 14

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Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. F. Chambers

Resolved:-

“That having considered the County Manager’s Annual Budget for the Financial Year ending 31^st December, 2003, together with his Report, the Council hereby amend the said Annual Budget as follows:-

Programme Group 3 - Water Supply and Sewerage:-

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That income from Water Charges be increased by €50,000

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Programme Group 5 - Environmental Protection:-

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That Loan Charges – Landfill Sites – be reduced by €85,775

That income from Refuse Charges be reduced by €150,000

Programme Group 8 - Miscellaneous Services:-

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That Overdraft Interest be reduced by €100,000

Table B:-

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Amount to be levied reduced by €85,775

Annual Rate:-

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To be reduced to €57.54”.

Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. F. Chambers

Resolved:-

“That the County Council of the County of Mayo hereby adopt the said Annual Budget for the Financial Year ending 31^st December, 2003, as set out in Tables A and B, as amended”.

Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. F. Chambers

Resolved:-

“That the County Council of the County of Mayo hereby determine, in accordance with the Annual Budget as adopted, for the Financial Year ending 31^st December, 2003, the rate set out in Table B to be €57.54”.

Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. F. Chambers

Resolved:-

“That in accordance with Section 2 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 1983 (No. 21 of 1983), the Council hereby make

a charge payable on receipt of demand from the County Council in respect of each domestic premises which is serviced by a Refuse Collection Service for the Financial Year ending 31^st December, 2003, as follows:-

(a) €250 for a 140 litre Bin;

(b) €320 for a 240 litre Bin”.

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Proposed by Cllr. P. McHugh

Seconded by Cllr. F. Chambers

Resolved:-

“That in accordance with Section 2 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No. 2) Act, 1983 (No. 21 of 1983), the Council hereby make a charge of €100 payable on receipt of demand from the County Council for attendance of the Fire Brigade at a domestic premises for the Financial Year ending 31^st December, 2003”.

Cllrs. P. McHugh and P. Kilbane thanked everybody involved in the preparation of the Budget.

The Cathaoirleach, on behalf of the Council, thanked the Leas Chathaoirleach and all the Members of the Council for their co-operation in the adoption of the Budget and the County Manager and Staff for their work in the preparation of the Budget.

The County Manager thanked the Cathaoirleach, Leas Chathaoirleach and the Members of the Council for their co-operation in the adoption of the Budget. He also thanked his Staff for their work in the preparation of the Budget.

The Meeting concluded at 12.05 a.m.