Agenda and minutes

The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan invited Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive to give an overview of the Draft Budget for 2021.

Mr Lar Power referred to the Draft Budget for the financial year ending 31^st December 2021 as circulated to each Member. A copy of the Budget document as circulated to the Members appears as Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this Meeting in the Minute Book.

Mr Lar Power outlined that, as the Members are acutely aware, 2020 has proven to be a very challenging year for citizens and in particular the business sector of County Leitrim and it was also a challenging year for Leitrim County Council. Covid-19 and the subsequent restrictions presented a challenge for Leitrim County Council in finding new ways to deliver services while complying with public health guidance to supress the virus and minimise the risk to staff and customers alike.

The impact of Covid-19 generated significant uncertainty both nationally and locally regarding the financial management of Local Government, particularly in the context of the potential for the loss of income from commercial rates, goods and services and increased expenditure incurred in responding to the pandemic. 

In mid-2020, the Government announced a Commercial Rates waiver for six months which was subsequently extended to nine months, and applicable to occupied properties subject to certain exclusions. The government also announced the Business Restart Grant, which was administered by Leitrim County Council. To date 470 businesses have received €3.41m in County Leitrim, with over €1m projected to be paid in the coming weeks in the form of top ups and appeals. The Government are currently considering submissions regarding Covid-19 costs incurred by Local Authorities together with income lost on goods and services and Mr Power stated he was optimistic that compensation will be forthcoming in this regard.

He advised that the 2021 Budget has therefore been framed in the context of very strong support from Central Government. The Annual Rate of Valuation (.2208) remains unchanged at 2020 levels and it is also recommended that the Commercial Rates Vacancy Refund Scheme (75%) remain unchanged at 2020 levels. Mr Power informed the members that the purpose of refunding only 75% of rates in respect of vacant commercial properties is to change the culture of having commercial properties lying idle for extended periods of time or indefinitely. Such vacant units seriously affect our towns and villages and make it extremely difficult for adjacent trading businesses to trade to their potential. Changing culture takes time and Leitrim County Council need to rid our towns of villages of vacant premises and this is one of the key methods to achieve this.

The purpose of having a commercial rates vacancy refund at 75%, is not primarily to generate income. It should be noted that if 2021 was not to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the projected income from the vacancy refund scheme would be approximately €70,000. Leitrim County Council is equally conscious that the Governments nine-month rates waiver does not  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.165.20

Councillor Mary Bohan proposed that the Budget as presented be adopted and Councillor Enda McGloin seconded this proposal.

Councillor Des Guckian made a counter proposal to oppose the Budget as presented stating the budget lacked vision. There was no support for Councillor Guckian’s counter-proposal.

Councillor Mary Bohan said it is not for the Members to talk down Leitrim. Funding that is received into Leitrim is well spent.  Leitrim is one of the best counties for securing funding for projects and this is a credit to the staff who are working to secure the funding.

Proposed by Councillor Mary Bohan seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin AND AGREED

“That Leitrim County Council adopts for the financial year ending 31^st December 2021, the Budget set out in Tables A - F, and further resolves to determine in accordance with the said Budget the rates set out in Table A to be the annual rate on valuation to be levied for 2021 for the purposes set out in those Tables.”

Proposed by Councillor Mary Bohan seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin AND RESOLVED

“That Leitrim County Council hereby determines in accordance with the Budget as proposed and adopted by the Members, the Annual Rate on Valuation to be levied for the several purposes specified in the Budget as €0.2208, for the financial year ending 31^st December 2021.”

Proposed by Councillor Mary Bohan seconded by Councillor Enda McGloin AND RESOLVED

“That Leitrim County Council hereby adopts the application of a 75% Commercial Rates Vacancy Refund for 2021 in respect of rateable vacant properties in the administrative area of Leitrim County Council specified in the Budget for the Financial year ending 31^st December 2021”.

The Cathaoirleach and the Chief Executive signed  the Statutory Certificate to the effect that at the Budget Meeting of Leitrim County Council held this 30th November 2020, the Council by resolution adopted for the financial year ending 31^st December 2021 the Budget set out in Tables (A to F) and by resolution determined in accordance with the said budget the Rates set out in Tables (B and C) to be the annual rate on valuation to be levied and the Application of a 75% Commercial Rates Vacancy Refund for that year for the purposes set out in those tables.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Mary Bohan thanked the Chief Executive, Mr. Lar Power, Management Team, Mr. Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance and the staff of the Finance Team for the preparation of the Budget Book. Cllr Bohan thanked the Elected Members for the manner in which the meeting was conducted. 

Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive thanked the Cathaoirleach and members for adopting the Budget and for conducting the Budget meeting through an online platform.

Ms Mary Quinn outlined that it is proposed to move the January Council meeting date from the 4^th January 2021 to the 11^th January 2021.

Councillor Enda McGloin queried if it was possible for the Ballinamore Municipal District meeting to meet face to face in December. Ms Mary Quinn said that it was agreed by the Corporate Policy Group that all meetings take place using online platforms until mid-January following which the matter will be reviewed in light of prevailing public health advice.

Councillor Padraig Fallon thanked the IT staff and the Meetings Administrator for all the help and support in facilitating online meetings.