The Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke opened the meeting and invited Mr. Lar Power, Chief Executive to give an overview of the Draft Budget for 2022.

In presenting the draft Budget, Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive referred to the setting of the local adjustment factor of the LPT at the July meeting and to the determination of General Municipal Allocations for each Municipal District agreed at the October MD meetings.  He stated that the Draft Budget for the financial year ending 31st December 2022, as  circulated (Appendix 1) enables the expansion of services by the Council, the deployment of resources as required, an increase of 7% on local roads and housing maintenance, continued investment in the Council’s extensive capital programme while achieving prudent fiscal management.

He proposed that Mr Vincent Dwyer, Head of Finance, Water, Environment, Climate Action and Emergency Services proceed to give an overview of each Division with questions arising to be addressed after each Division, following which he would address members again.

The Chief Executive  referred to his report of 28th October 2021 as circulated to each member and outlined the difficult process of compiling the budget in the current operating environment.  It was agreed that the Head of Finance would make a presentation on the budget to the members and that the budget would then be considered by the members programme by programme

Division A – Housing and Building

Mr. Vincent Dwyer gave an overview of the budgetary provisions in Division A – Housing & Building.

The following items were raised:

•          Councillor Des Guckian proposed that Leitrim County Council provide proper emergency accommodation for the homeless and follow up with more permanent accommodation. Councillor Des Guckian stated that at least 4 people are living rough in Carrick-on-Shannon and an emergency hostel must be provided to accommodate homeless cases that arise.  Councillor Mary Bohan outlined that the provision of   temporary emergency hostel accommodation is very complex. She acknowledged Leitrim County Council have dealt sympathetically with situations where people needed temporary emergency accommodation for various reasons. She outlined that  if the Council consider that  a special allocation for such accommodation is needed in Leitrim, the Government should be called upon to provide funding.

•          Councillor Justin Warnock welcomed the purchase of houses in Kinlough by Leitrim County Council and queried if there are plans to purchase land for housing development in Kinlough, as the need in the area has increased dramatically.

•          Councillor Sean McDermott welcomed the 7% increase in the housing maintenance provision and the increase in funding for the homeless service

•          Councillor Padraig Fallon noted the homeless provision is based on the previous years expenditure and welcomed the additional expenditure provision.

•          Councillor Brendan Barry outlined his preference for the provision of permanent housing accommodation rather than hostel type accommodation. He welcomed the increased provision in housing maintenance. Councillor Barry queried if money from the Housing Maintenance Budget would be used to fund the proposed pilot scheme of willow based systems at  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.166.21

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke proposed that the Budget as presented be adopted.  The proposal was seconded by  Enda McGloin seconded.

Councillor Des Guckian stated he was opposing the adoption of the Budget as presented stating the budget was inadequate due to the provisions for Homelessness Services, Agriculture, Land drainage and lanes. Councillor Des Guckian stated he was opposing the  the 3% rate increase stating town centres are being run down and he referred to the number of local businesses that are closing down.

Councillor Mary Bohan outlined that it is a difficult position for the members to be in. She stated that all members are looking for funding for their communities and she acknowledged the investment in  projects throughout the County. She stated that  it is important to have match funding in order to enable these projects which improve the County. Councillor Bohan queried what the average increase in rates would be for a shop or pub.

Mr Vincent Dwyer outlined that the vast majority of commercial rate payers are paying less than €3,000 per annum, with the average being approximately €2,000 per annum.  A one percent increase on a rates bill of €2,000 is €20.00 per year.

Councillor Mary Bohan outlined that there are many other factors which  contribute to businesses closing down including people not supporting their local businesses.

Councillor Justin Warnock outlined that he could not support the  3% rate increase given that the country is still in a pandemic and the impact of that is not yet known.  He also referred to the  possibility of a trade war between Europe and the UK, and he outlined his view that the rate increase should be deferred for a year.

Councillor Thomas Mulligan acknowledged that the members are concerned for smaller businesses. He stated that some larger businesses have done very well during the pandemic and will be able to meet the increase and he said an increase of €30 on €1,000 will not impact most businesses.

Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire said that her representations to Leitrim County Council are appeals from communities for more funding for projects. She noted that the Council has been very supportive of Tourism projects. She also expressed thanks for the Business Supports and Rates Waivers schemes that were provided over the past two years. In supporting the rates increase, Councillor Armstroing McGuire said if businesses and town want supports from the Council then they must be prepared to contribute when asked by the Council. Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire asked people to buy local and support their local businesses.

Councillor Felim Gurn said the timing is wrong and he outlined that a lot of people have left the hospitality sector. Councillor Gurn referred to his own situation and stated that it is  unfortunate that there has been no correspondence with businesses regarding this rate increase.

Councillor Padraig Fallon said he has engaged with a number of small indigenous family run businesses who are impacted by costs such as rising inflation, carbon tax, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item MM.167.21

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke 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 for the financial year ending 31st December 2022. The Annual Rate on Valuation determined was 0.2274”.

Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive referred to the  75% vacancy write off on vacant commercial properties and outlined that it  was introduced as a means to nurture a change in  behaviour of the owners of vacant properties, that will result in an action to get business premises back into use and restore vibrancy to our towns. Mr Power advised Members that the Minister has proposed that 100% of  commercial rates charge be applied to vacant premises in future years and this will be implemented at national level and will apply to all Local Authorities.

Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that this scheme be discussed at a Strategic Policy Committee meeting or at a workshop for members to get an update on the benefits accrued since the introduction of scheme.

Councillor Mary Bohan outlined that she would not agree with the introduction of 100% and said there should be some flexibility e.g., a property in Dublin may find it easier to secure a tenant than a property in North Leitrim.

Councillor Enda Stenson outlined he would like to see what the benefits of the current scheme are and if it is achieving the objective of returning vacant premises to use.

Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke stated vacant properties on a street impacts existing business that are trading.

Councillor Des Guckian outlined he would not support the surcharge of 25% on businesses that have failed.

Councillor Felim Gurn said every town has business premises lying idle and people are doing their best.

Mr Vincent Dwyer outlined that the liability for rates remains  and property owners do have the choice to delist their property. He stated that Leitrim County Council continue to engage with the owners of vacant premises on an ongoing basis.

Mr Power informed Members that a number of property owners have come forward and put forward proposals which have had a positive outcome.

Proposed by Councillor Paddy O’Rourke seconded by Councillor Sean McDermott AND RESOLVED

“That Leitrim County Council hereby adopts the application of a 75% Commercial Rates Vacancy Refund for 2022 in respect of rateable vacant properties in the administrative area of Leitrim County Council specified in the Budget for the Financial year ending 31st December 2022”.

The Cathaoirleach and the Chief Executive signed  the Statutory Certificate to the effect that at the Budget Meeting of Leitrim County Council held this 8th  November 2021, the Council by resolution adopted for the financial year ending 31st December 2022 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 Paddy O’Rourke 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.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised the members that the January Council meeting will take place on Monday, 10th January 2022.

Councillor Paddy O’Rourke advised the members that a County Development Plan Workshop for the members will take place on Friday, 26th November 2021 at 11 am with the venue to be decided.