budget meeting minutes 2013

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Minutes of 2014 Budget M eeting

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF 2014 BUDGET MEETING OF

NORTH TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL

CHAMBER, CIVIC OFFICES, NENAGH ON 20TH

DECEMBER 2013

AT 10AMPresent

Apologies:

Cllr. Ger Darcy, Mayor - Presided

Cllrs. Dr. Phyll Bugler; Jim Casey; John Carroll; Billy Clancy; Seamus Hanafin; John Hogan; JohnKennedy; Michel Lowry; Hughie McGrath; John Rocky McGrath; Jonathan Meaney; Eddie Moran;Samus Morris; Virginia ODowd; Michael OMeara; Denis Ryan; Jim Ryan; Mattie Ryan; Michael

Smith

Cllr. Pauline Coonan.

Also Present Mr. Joe MacGrath, County Manager; Matt Shortt, Director of Services; Liam McCarthy, Head of

Finance; Marcus O Connor, Director of Services; Dave Carroll, A/Director of Services; Sinead Carr,Director of Services; Clare Curley, Director of Services, Jimmy Harney, A/Director of Services, Sean

Keating, Director of Services, Pat Slattery, Director of Services, Rosemary Joyce, MeetingsAdministrator/Senior Executive Officer; Gerry McGarry, Financial/Management Accountant; MargaretHennessy, Staff Officer; Donal Purcell, A/Senior Executive Officer; Michle Maher, Senior StaffOfficer and Dan Downey, Staff Officer.

Budget 2014 Cllr. G. Darcy thanked the County Manager and his staff for presentation to them of the Draft BudgetBook in a short timeframe. He noted that the proposed rate reduction would result in a reduction of11.6% over five years in rates in North Tipperary. He also noted that the Draft Budget provided for theretention of community grants and maintaining the Councils own funds contributionto roads at currentlevels.

Mr. J. MacGrath advised members that the Draft Budget as presented complied with the LocalGovernment Act 2001 and had been prepared in the prescribed format. The meeting was being heldwithin the prescribed period. The Draft Budget provided for 61.36 million expenditure necessary toprovide services and income estimated to accrue.

The Draft Budget was prepared against a background of fundamental reform in the local authority sector,including the merger of North and South Tipperary County Councils, the establishment of Irish Water,the implementation of a revised funding model for local authorities, the development of shared servicesacross the local authority sector and the implementation of the Haddington Road Agreement.

Mr. MacGrath advised that Irish Water would take over responsibility for the funding of the WaterServices Programme from 1st January 2014 and stated that intensive discussions and negotiations hadtaken place. The budget as provided would assure continuity in the provision of water services.

Mr. MacGrath highlighted efficiencies that had been achieved. He advised that the local authority sectorhad reduced staffing levels by 24% from June 2008. North Tipperary County Council had reduced the

payroll costs by 3.8 million between 2008 and 2013. He also referred to the savings which had beenachieved through the Energy Committee which resulted in North Tipperary being the number one local

authority and sixth out of ninety public bodies in terms of energy efficiencies achieved.

The Local Government Fund had been adjusted downwards and it was not possible to compare the

allocation with previous years. In future 2014 would be the base year for comparison purposes. The

NPPR charge was discontinued and this income which was approximately 400,000 would not beavailable in 2014. He had previously highlighted his concerns in relation to collection rates.


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Mr. MacGrath stated that the Draft Budget contained many positives. It provided for a reduction of1.68% in rates which would mean a cumulative reduction of 11.68% since 2010. North Tipperary was

the 25thlowest of 34 County and City Councils. The Councils own funds allocation for roads was being

maintained. Community grants were generally remaining the same with increases proposed for TidyTowns and Burial Grounds Grants. Provision was made for continuing the Roscrea Enhancement

Scheme so that a total of 40,000 would have been provided over two years. Provision was also madefor co-funding of the Lough Derg Signage Scheme.

In conclusion Mr. MacGrath expressed his appreciation to the Corporate Policy Group, the staff andparticularly Liam McCarthy, Head of Finance and the Finance staff for their input in the preparation ofthe Draft Budget. This was a historic occasion as it was the final Budget Meeting of North TipperaryCounty Council. He thanked the members and recommended that they consider and adopt the Draft

Budget.

Cllr. S. Morris congratulated all in producing a budget for the members to consider but stated that theirhands were tied. He referred to the transfer of 6 million to Irish Waterand stated that he had questions

and would need to see a copy of the Service Level Agreement with Irish Water before going any further.

Mr. J. MacGrath advised that there had been intensive discussions and negotiations with Irish Water.

The Service Level Agreement would be a National Service Level Agreement which would be signed byeach county. He would have no problem in sharing this when it came to hand.

Cllr. G. Darcy stated that the Council was there to consider the budget. They would have to go throughall the programmes as set out on the pages of the budget book and this would determine how NorthTipperary would be run in the coming year. They had to make sure that North Tipperary would be on asound footing.

Cllr. S. Morris again referred to the Service Level Agreement and said they did not know what was inthis but would be locked into an agreement for twelve years. The Council was handing6 million to an

organisation. He reiterated that he would like to see a copy of the Service Level Agreement beforepassing the budget.

Mr. J. MacGrath clarified that the Council was not handing 6 million to anyone. The local authoritywould be required to sign a Service Level Agreement with Irish Water, the same as all other localauthorities. From 1stJanuary Irish Water would be the Water Services Authority. Responsibility forwater services would transfer from the existing 34 local authorities to Irish Water. It was critical that theCouncil would have a Service Level Agreement in place to assure the continued delivery of WaterServices. Without that they would not get an allocation from Irish Water. The draft budget madeprovision on that basis.

Cllr. S. Morris stated that the Council was also asked to hand over assets to Irish Water and asked thatmembers also be provided with details of assets and liabilities. He stated that they could delay passingthe budget until these were obtained.

Cllr. J. Ryan spoke in support of Cllr. Morris. He stated that there had been no discussion on this issue.He referred to a report given by the Dublin City Manager to Dublin City Council outlining his concerns

in relation to the transfer of assets, the Service Level Agreement and the pension liability. He advisedthat a motion had been passed by Dublin City Council that the Service Level Agreement should not besigned. Cllr. Ryan queried what liability North Tipperary County Council would be left with. He askedif the Manager could guarantee that there would be no increase in commercial water rates and if the fullcosts would be recouped from Irish Water. He stated that he would not support any budget or Service

Level Agreement unless there was full discussion on the matter.

Cllr. J. Hogan supported the two previous speakers and stated that water was a precious commodity. Hewelcomed the budget and noted that it was proposed to merge the variance in rates levels. He indicatedthat the Council had twice raised their concerns that the rates system was unfair and had asked that their


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views be made known. He referred to the method of calculation of rates based on floor area and statedthat this bore no relation to turnover. He stated that the Council should insist to the relevant Ministersthat the system was unfair. By continuing to adopt budgets based on this they were closing down

businesses. The system needed an overhaul. He indicated that he was not happy to adopt a budget basedon the existing system.

Cllr. G. Darcy said that the members were all in agreement in relation to the rates system however thatwas not an issue that they could resolve as part of the budget process.

Cllr. B. Clancy agreed with Cllr. S. Morris and Cllr. J. Ryan. He stated that there was no guarantee thatthey would get back costs. He referred to the payroll costs of Irish Water and stated that there was nosensible reason for setting up Irish Water other than to take water from Lough Derg. He proposedpostponing passing the budget.

Cllr. H. McGrath supported the other members re Irish Water. He said the Council would be giving

away valuable assets that had been funded by the ratepayers and asked if Irish Water would take on theliabilities. He supported Cllr. J. Hogan in relation to rates and said that it might be time to adopt a rate

on turnover rather than floor area. He also referred to the lack of free car parking for town centre

businesses. He recommended postponing the budget until they saw how matters were going and statedthat reduced rates for everyone was not helping town centre businesses as the multinationals gained most

from any reduction.

Mr. J. MacGrath advised members that the budget before them would assure the continued supply ofservices on a fully funded basis which was the key issue. He acknowledged the genuine concerns of themembers. He advised that the liabilities would attach to the assets transferred to Irish Water and thatthese assets had been substantially funded by the Exchequer. It was his understanding that commercialwater rates would remain at existing levels for 2014. Beyond that it would be a matter for Irish Water.

He advised members that, if there was a failure to adopt the budget because of the Service LevelAgreement, this would put the provision of water services in this county at risk in 2014. The Counciloperated under national legislation. The budget provided for the continuation of employment within the

services for 2014 and assured the continuation of services. There would be full recoupment of costs.

Mr. MacGrath informed members that there were two aspects in relation to ratesthe valuation and therate struck by members. He advised that there had been an 11.6% reduction over the last six years in thearea over which members have control therefore they had done everything within their power to reducethe liability. He was not aware of any other local authority which had achieved these reductions andstated that this was a credit to members. Setting the valuation was not within the power of the localauthority. Members had raised genuine concerns and had previously referred to matters relating to ruralshops, rural pubs and premises with large function rooms which were only in occasional use. This hadbeen taken up at national level. There was a revaluation process currently being carried out in thecountry. If the members wished to pursue their concerns they could seek a deputation to put theseconcerns on the table. A change in legislation would be required.

Cllr. J. Hogan proposed that the Council seek a deputation to meet the Minister. This was seconded byCllr. S. Hanafin and agreed.

Cllr. B. Clancy referred again to the liabilities and financial commitments associated with Irish Water.

Cllr. S. Morris indicated that he had never voted against the budget. All he was asking for was to deferconsideration of the budget until they had seen the Service Level Agreement, details of the assets beinghanded over and any liabilities. He referred to the savings that had been achieved and the reduction instaff numbers and noted that Irish Water was taking on three hundred staff. He formally proposed thatthe members did not pass the budget until they had seen the Service Level Agreement.

This proposal was seconded by Cllr. B. Clancy.

Cllr. J. Ryan asked again about the potential cost implications of pensions and whether or not this hadbeen costed. He also asked for the valuation of assets being transferred and if any compensation would


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be paid for them.

Cllr. D. Ryan stated that their purpose was to discuss and pass a balanced budget. There were serious

issues which should be discussed. The questions being raised should have been raised at the budgetworkshop and could have been discussed. He acknowledged that Irish Water was a serious issue. As anamendment to Cllr. Morriss proposal, he proposed that a special meeting be held as early as possible in

the New Year to discuss Irish Water and that members now follow the procedure of going through thebudget on a programme by programme basis. The amendment was seconded by Cllr. J. Carroll.

A vote was taken on the amendment.

The following members voted for the amendment: Cllrs. P. Bugler, J. Carroll, G. Darcy, S. Hanafin, J.Hogan, J. Kennedy, M. Lowry, H. McGrath, J. Rocky McGrath, J. Meaney, E. Moran, V. ODowd, M.

OMeara, D. Ryan, M. Ryan (Coole), M. Smith.

Cllr. J. Casey was not present when the vote was taken.

Cllrs. B. Clancy, S. Morris and J. Ryan did not vote. Cllr. H. McGrath subsequently indicated that he

wished to change his vote to support the stance being taken by Cllr. Morris.

The amendment to the motion was declared to be carried.

Cllrs. B. Clancy, S. Morris, J. Ryan, J. Hogan and H. McGrath then indicated that they were not happywith how the matter had been handled and left the meeting.

Members then proceeded to consider the Draft Budget on a programme by programme basis.

Mr. L. McCarthy went through the Commentary by Division for Members and went through eachprogramme in detail. The County Manager and the Directors of Services responded to any queriesraised.

Housing & Building:Cllr. M. Smith expressed concern in relation to the adequacy of the provision for co-funding of housinggrants based on the number of applications on hand. He also referred to the difference in proceduresbetween North and South Tipperary and was concerned that the scheme would be closed off in NorthTipperary in the same manner as applied in South Tipperary.

Cllr. P. Bugler asked for clarification regarding the position on houses bought by the Council in estateswhich were now in NAMA.

Cllr. J. Carroll complimented the housing section on their work. He referred to the tiny minority oftenants that caused damage to their houses and recommended that some sort of penalty should apply as adeterrent. He also referred to the small number of tenants who engage in anti-social behaviour. Cllr.Carroll also requested details of the number of homeless people in North Tipperary.

Cllr. J. Kennedy queried what the provision for payment to An Post related to.

Mr. J. MacGrath advised that national funding covered 80% of the cost of housing grants with theremaining 20% coming from the Council. The budget provision was based on what it was believedwould be received in 2014 and would assure the 20% co-funding required. He advised that the Councilwould continue to seek additional funding and to ensure that they were able to avail of any extra fundingthat might become available.

Ms. C. Curley advised that the approach to processing applications in South Tipperary was a fundingmatter and that they did not want to create an expectation by continuing to accept applications whenthere was not funding available. Urgent cases were given priority. The existing method of assessmentwould continue to apply in North Tipperary until the amalgamation. Thereafter all the policies and


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procedures would have to be harmonised and the proposed policies brought to the Strategic PolicyCommittee. She informed Cllr. Kennedy that the payment to An Post related to the charge forHousehold Budget which was an efficient way of collecting rents through An Post.

Mr. D. Purcell advised members that housing staff had continued to process grant applications and hadsubmitted claims for an additional 103,000 which had been paid this week by the Department. The

total allocation for 2013 had therefore been increased to over 752,000, with 80% of this funded by theDepartment. He advised Cllr. Bugler that he would discuss the estate she was referring to with her after

the meeting. He informed Cllr. Carroll that, where the Council is aware a tenant is leaving, an inspectionwill be carried out however difficulties arise when no prior notification is received and the tenant has leftthe area. He also advised that the Council does not tolerate Anti-Social Behaviour and has taken cases toCourt and obtained Exclusion Orders. Any cases that were brought to the Councils attention would befollowed up. He undertook to revert to Cllr. Carroll with details of the numbers of homeless persons in

North Tipperary.

Cllr. J. Carroll expressed concern that, in a small number of cases, works carried out under the housingadaptation scheme were of a poor standard and said that elderly people might not be in a position to

determine the best builder to carry out the works. Mr. D. Purcell advised that the Council carry out an

inspection before the works are carried out however the works are on private houses and the owner is theemployer. The Council could not recommend what builder should be engaged.

Cllr. D. Ryan asked who was responsible where windows in Councils houses were broken as a result of

vandalism and if this was covered by the Councils insurance. He was advised that glass was thetenants responsibility in accordance with the tenancy agreement.

Road Transport & Safety:Cllr. D. Ryan referred to the cost of street cleaning and noted that this was now centralised. He asked if

it would be more efficient and provide better service if every town had its own sweeper and staff. Henoted that towns that win in national competitions have daily or twice daily cleaning carried out.

Cllr. M. Ryan referred to development levies and cul de sac roads. He stated that it was unfair takinglarge development levies from people living on cul de sac roads and then doing nothing for them. Hesuggested that a percentage of the property tax be devoted to local roads particularly in disadvantagedareas. He had previously put down a notice of motion on this subject. He also asked if the CARSscheme was still in operation and if more realistic rates could be applied, particularly where there werelong lengths of road and few resident families.

Cllr. J. Carroll supported Cllr. M. Ryan and stated that a number of these roads were nearly impassable.He called for a pot of money to be available that they could allocate for the maintenance of these roads.He noted that people in urban areas are entitled to all the services however people in upland countryareas did not receive the same level of service.

Cllr. J. Kennedy stated that all the members had concerns in relation to cul de sac roads. He called forthe re-introduction of the Local Improvement Schemes and said that a meeting should be sought with theMinister and a letter issued outlining their concerns.

Cllr. P. Bugler supported Cllr. M. Ryan and Cllr. J. Kennedy.

Cllr. V. ODowd supported the previous speakers and stated that a meeting with the Minister was a goodidea.

Cllr. G. Darcy supported the comments made in relation to the Local Improvement Schemes and the

Community Assisted Roadworks Schemes and seconded the proposal to contact the Minister.

Mr. M. OConnor advised that street cleaning was organised at area level. The hire of machines wasexpensive. Under previous arrangements no cleaning took place in smaller villages. It was now doneonce a week. It would be possible to provide a sweeper in the areas but this would result in additional


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expenditure which would have to come from road maintenance. The arrangements for cleaning could bediscussed at area level.

Mr. OConnor clarified that development levies could only be spent on public roads and could not beused on private roads. He referred to the works which had been carried out under the development leviesscheme which would benefit everyone and outlined particular works in the Newport area which had been

undertaken. He stated that the Department took the view that, with the shortage of funding available,public roads should be prioritised. There was no difficulty in writing to the Department seeking the

reintroduction of the Local Improvement Schemes.

Mr. L. McCarthy clarified that the property tax was not paid directly to the County Council. It wasallocated out to local authorities through the block allocations received from the Local GovernmentFund.

Cllr. J. Carroll asked about the obstacles to setting up a Community Roads Fund.

Cllr. M. Smith supported the previous speakers and asked about having a percentage of levies dedicated

to roads the allocation of which would be decided on at area level.

Cllr. M. Ryan indicated that he did not want to hold up the budget discussions however he would

continue to look for funding for cul de sac roads.

Mr. M. OConnor indicated that the CARS Scheme was still in operation, that the own funds allocationin the budget was being maintained and that members would have their tertiary allocations.

Cllr. J. Meaney queried provisions for public lighting and noted that there was no allocation for theprovision of new lights. Mr. M. OConnor advised that any expenditure on public lighting would have to

come out of road maintenance and that any new lights would have to be considered in accordance withthe budgetary position and the public lighting policy.

Water Services:Cllr. D. Ryan queried the low level of collection of Water Rates and asked if this was as a result of areluctance to pay or if it related to the economic situation. Mr. J. MacGrath indicated that it was areflection of the economic situation. There was no discernible shift in attitude. The collection level wasslightly increased from the previous year with collection now at 57% compared with 54% in 2012.

Cllr. J. Carroll if there would be a change in relation to the position of villages on the InvestmentProgramme for the provision of wastewater treatment arising from the establishment of Irish Water. Mr.M. OConnor advised that the Water Services Investment Programme would be taken over by IrishWater. The Council would continue to discuss the needs of the various villages etc. however ultimatelyit would be a matter for Irish Water to determine.

In response to a query from Cllr. J. Casey, Mr. J. MacGrath advised that North Tipperary CountyCouncil would continue to employ people on the ground who were already employed by the Council.Any employees who were employed by Irish Water would be their own and the Council would have noliability for these.

Mr. L. McCarthy reminded members that a final bill for water charges to the end of December wouldissue early in the new year and that this would be the Councils income.

Development Management:Cllr. M. Smith referred to tourism promotion and acknowledged the budgetary provision for Phase 2 of

the Roscrea Enhancement Plan which he stated had been very successful this year. He stated that a

promotional document was needed which would link the various sites and events and referred to atemplate prepared by Templemore Town Council. He sought an allocation of 5,000 for a promotionaldocument for the town of Roscrea.


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Cllr. D. Ryan seconded the proposal by Cllr. M. Smith. He stated that the Enhancement Plan in Roscreawas gathering momentum and that there was a need to bring the information together in one booklet.Cllr. E. Moran also supported the proposal.

Cllr. J. Casey outlined the importance of heritage and said it was crucial to invest more money inheritage if that is possible. He referred to the importance of 2016 and said this will be a major event

particularly in Cloughjordan. He asked that an allocation of 10,000 be put in place to commencepreparations for 2016.

Cllr. V. O Dowd paid tribute to the work done in Cloughjordan in relation to heritage. She also referredto the contribution made to the local economy by the Nenagh Heritage Centre and the numbers of peoplewho visit it.

Cllr. M. O Meara thanked Marion Carey for the work done by her in relation to Lorrha and stated that itwas vitally important to support heritage work.

Cllr. P. Bugler thanked the County Manager and the staff of the Planning Department for the work done

in relation to heritage in Ballina and stated that this would continue each year.

Cllr. J. Carroll supported Cllr. Caseys proposal.

Cllr. G. Darcy referred to work done on the Lough Derg Heritage Trail. He also paid tribute to Cllr.

Casey for his input into the McDonagh Centre in Cloughjordan.

Mr. M. Shortt advised members that a leaflet had been circulated in relation to funding of 140,000 inrespect of protected structures/built heritage. 50% matching funding was required.

Mr. J. MacGrath complimented all those involved in works in the area of heritage. He stated that therewas a specific sum provided for the Roscrea Heritage Plan and he was sure that Cllr. Smiths proposalcould be accommodated within this. He acknowledged that there was considerable merit in Cllr. Caseys

proposal. No provision had been made in the 2014 budget but he was positively disposed to looking athow the proposal could be accommodated in the future.

Cllr. M. Smith thanked the Manager for his commitment.

Environmental Services:Cllr. V. O Dowd queried a reduction in relation to recycling services and asked if there would be animpact in relation to services.

Cllr. J. Kennedy referred to the use of mobile cameras in relation to litter control and asked if they havebeen a deterrent and how many were in use.

Mr. B. Beck advised that the grant funding from the Department was reduced. This was funded from theEnvironmental Fund which was reduced because of increases in amounts recycled. Mr. Beck advisedthat there were negotiations with operators and that they would continue to urge maximum use ofrecycling facilities. In relation to litter control he advised that the cameras were hired as needed on acontract basis. They were now moving to use of an apparatus that would talk to people and remind them

of the necessity to remove their litter.

Cllr. J. Kennedy referred to an on-going problem at Littleton. Cllr. J. Casey expressed concern that a lotof the waste dumped at the side of the road was recyclable and the problem was getting worse. He calledfor a survey of households requiring them to declare how they disposed of their waste. This was

supported by Cllr. J. Carroll and Cllr. V. O Dowd.

Cllr. M. Lowry supported Cllr. J. Kennedy on the bottle bank in Littleton. He queried the reduction inprovision for training in the Fire Service and the overexpenditure in 2013.


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Mr. B. Beck stated that a number of the issues raised had previously been debated at the DecemberCouncil Meeting. The survey was proposed in the National Waste Report however it would requirelegislation to bring in a policy that would compel people to declare how they disposed of their waste.

The Council had no power to require this unless they had a particular reason to query it. If the legislationwas enacted this would be considered. They would look at the use of CCTV at the bottle bank inLittleton. Previously efforts had been made to find an alternative location however this had not been

possible.

Mr. D. Carroll advised that training in the Fire Service was based on a three year cycle. There weresome courses undertaken in 2013 which would not be required in 2014. The overexpenditure in 2013related to unexpected retirement gratuities and this was a matter which was very difficult to predict.

Cllr. P. Bugler appealed to those putting up posters on poles to remove them afterwards or to stop putting

them in place.

It was agreed to take Divisions F, G, H and J together. Cllr. M. O Meara referred to the provision of6,700 in the budget for community grants and stated that this was very small. He referred to the

changes in development levies and hoped to see further detail early in the new year on how the grant

scheme would be structured. Mr. J. MacGrath explained that the budgetary provision related specificallyto the Pride of Place Competition. He stated that there was also 80,000 allocated for Tidy Towns grants

and 80,000 for grants to burial ground committees. The community levies were capital and are notincluded in the budget. The revised development levy scheme had been adopted by the Council and a

new grant scheme would be brought before the Council.

Cllr. S. Hanafin referred to the amount included in relation to coroners fees and expenses and proposedthat the Council should recommend that coroners courts in cases involving family tragedies would notbe held in courts or hotels but would be held in more compassionate locations which would allow

families privacy. The proposal was seconded by Cllr. M. Smith and agreed.

Cllr. G. Darcy thanked and complimented the members for their input into the discussions on the draft

budget. He stated that this was democracy in action.

Cllr. D. Ryan stated that, given the overall economic situation in the country and locally, the documenthad a lot to commend it. He commended management and staff. He noted that nationally the sector hadreduced staffing levels by 24% and staff locally had provided exemplary service despite the reduction innumbers. This was appreciated by members. The efforts being made in relation to energy efficiencieswere something of which they should be proud and this was tangible environmental leadership. Whilecollection of monies was difficult the collection levels were good and the 100% rent collection level wasoutstanding. All the grants to voluntary organisations were retained. These monies were small but wereundoubtedly the best spent money in the budget. They were first in the country in terms of reduction inthe commercial rate to help business. The adoption of the budget would give confidence that the businessof the council would be carried out. This was the last budget of North Tipperary County Council and itgave him pleasure to propose its adoption.

Cllr. M. Smith said at the outset it was regrettable that five members had felt the need to leave themeeting. Everyone had genuine concerns in relation to Irish Water and rates however they shouldseparate local issues and national issues which were outside of their control. He formally seconded the

proposal to adopt the budget.

Cllr. J. Kennedy welcomed the further rate reduction as contained in the budget. They had consideredthe budget line by line. He referred to the reduction in staff numbers and stated that the public continuedto get the same response despite the reduced numbers. He was happy to support the budget.

Cllr. V. O Dowd thanked everyone and welcomed the energy efficiencies, the rates reduction, the grantsfor arts and sports and the additional grants for tidy towns. She acknowledged that the two issues raisedwere very important and stated that she had previously put down a motion in relation to rates.Cllr. M. Lowry stated that every division of the Council deserved praise. They were in uncertain


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challenging times. On the whole given what was facing them it was a fair and balanced budget.Everyone had concerns but decisions were made at higher level. The important thing was that everycouncillor had a duty to protect the people of this county and if they did not make decisions it would be

taken out of their hands. It was vitally important to do the right thing and ensure that services wereproperly funded. In passing the budget they were taking the responsible approach and doing what theyhad been tasked to do by the public.

Cllr. S. Hanafin joined in complimenting staff. He welcomed the rate reduction and stated that there had

been very good discussion on rates. They had made representations to the Department on how the rateswere unfair because they did not take into account affordability or commerciality. A national discussionwas required and they should do their part to keep the discussion centre stage. It was their responsibilityto deliver a budget for North Tipperary and that was what they had to focus on.

Cllr. J. Carroll indicated that he was supporting the budget and complimented those involved. The issueof the Community Roads Fund would be dealt with during the year.

Cllr. J. Casey complimented the manager and the contribution made by all staff. He stated that the

merger would present challenges and was concerned that the size of the areas would result in regional

rather than local government. He stressed the importance of rural communities looking after themselves,getting together and working towards achieving goals with the assistance of the elected representatives.

He referred to the importance of recognising community groups and the success of the environmentalawards. He noted that there were not similar awards in South Tipperary and recommended that they be

considered.

Cllr. Casey stated that he was not going against the budget. It was important to take their responsibilitiesseriously, to oppose what was wrong and to support what is good. He would lay down a marker for thefuture. There were areas that should be looked at in the future such as stores and plant and machinery.

Substantial progress had been achieved in relation to energy efficiency and he acknowledged the role ofthe Tipperary Energy Agency.

Cllrs. M. Ryan, P. Bugler and J. Meaney also complimented the manager and his team and stated that thebudget was a positive budget which they supported.

It was proposed by Cllr. Denis Ryan, seconded by Cllr. Michael Smith and resolved that pursuant to theprovisions of Section 103(7) of the Local Government Act 2001 the County Managers Draft LocalAuthority Budget for the Financial year ending 31stDecember 2014 set forth in Tables A to F of the saidBudget be and is hereby adopted.

It was proposed by Cllr. John Carroll, seconded by Cllr. Michael Smith and resolved that in accordancewith the Draft Local Authority Budget adopted for the financial year ending 31

st December 2014 the

annual rate on valuation to be levied for the said financial year be and is hereby determined as set out inTable A. Annual Rate on Valuation 2014 56.770.

This concluded the business of the Meeting, a true copy of which we hereby certify.

Signed: ___________________ Date: __________________

Cllr. Ger Darcy,

Mayor

Signed: ___________________ Date: ___________________Ms. Rosemary Joyce,

Meetings Administrator

budget meeting minutes 2013

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