Cathaoirleach welcomed the members and executive to the Budget meeting for 2018 and invited the Chief Executive to present the Budget. She confirmed that the Corporate Policy Group, at their meeting on Monday 20^th November, recommended the Budget for approval.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Cummins

            SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED that the meeting would conclude and the rate struck at this 1.00pm

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Ward

            SECONDED by Cllr. Dineen

It was AGREED that each of the Directors would present the Budget on their area of responsibility and all councillors have five minutes to speak.

The Chief Executive, Mr. Eugene Cummins outlined the main points of the Budget as follows:

·         The formulation of the Draft Budget particularly difficult with new demands for resources and new areas of financial uncertainty

·         Pressures include pay restoration under FEMPI legislation and increasing cost of servicing retirement lump sums and pensions.

·         Increasingly difficult to increase income streams but the significant additional rates income from Sliabh Bawn Windfarm is welcome

·         Fine balance in maintaining staff levels and the ability to maintain services. In 2018 there will be additional 20 staff, some funded and some replacing vacancies due to retirements or promotion

·         Roscommon loan book is manageable and not overburdened by debt due to years of good governance and that allows continued investment to make towns grow

·         In Roscommon town major projects due to start in 2018 include the extension of the Arts Centre, the Innovation Centre and a targeted and detailed development of the public realm.

·         Work will also begin on the Royal Hotel site in Boyle, Monksland will continue as primary industrial development

·         Town and Village renewal to continue and repopulation on derelict sites

·         Reduction of carbon footprint will be onerous and costly

Having taken all of the pressures and service demands into account, the Chief Executive commended the Budget for adoption.

Mr. Derek Caldbeck gave the members an overview of Draft Budget 2018 and a Presentation on the Revaluation of Commercial Premises:

·         Expenditure is €54.5m – an increase of €2m on 2017

·         Roads accounts for 32% of all expenditure

·         Three year capital programme expenditure 2018-2020 is projected to be €62m

·         Rates Income is projected as €12m, Local Propoerty Tax €3.2m and the Equalisation Fund €7m

·         The General Municipal Allocation remains at €2.3m

·         New pressures in 2018 include pay restoration and retirements (in coming years) and Irish Water staffing

Revaluation:

·         The theoretical rental value of the county is €53.4m i.e. if every property was rented. There is however an absence of data on rental value for properties in county Roscommon.

·         There is a Rates Limitation Order that limits the increase in total value from 2017 irrespective of the amount of new rateable property.

·         Awaiting final details of appeals but currently €2.7m of our rates are under appeal

Housing

·         Over period 2017 and 2018 there will be additional rental income of €280,000

·         There will be expenditure of €90,000 to do a comprehensive assessment of housing stock including heating

·         Aim to turnaround voids more quickly

·         Significant number of those on the housing list in private rented accommodation and unable to assess those who are in receipt of HAP and happy where they are until an offer of accommodation is made

·         The council have emergency accommodation

·         All Rental Supplement recipients will be moved to Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) during 2018. This will necessitate landlord inspections etc.

·         There are significant numbers of houses in unfinished housing estates in areas where there is demand, therefor it is not policy to build houses in these areas. It is also cheaper to buy than build.

·         We will increase stock by 190 in addition to bringing in voids of 89 by the end of 2018

·         Will continue to work with housing associations and builders for turnkey projects as we progress.

Majella Hunt, Director of Services outlined the main factors with regard to the Budget under her Directorate:

Water Services:

·         The Budget with Irish Water is not yet finalised for 2018 as will be agreed under the Annual Service Plan and KPI’s. However, it is expected that the headcount and expenditure on goods and services will be reduced by 3%.

·         Significant imminent challenges will be as a result of the establishment of the Regional Capital Office in Galway City and the implication for staff working on Capital projects in Roscommon and the Irish Water Transformation Plan to reorganise the water sector.

·         Private and semi private group water schemes still remain as responsibility of Roscommon County Council

·         Capital projects over next three years in partnership with Irish water include major upgrade works to existing water and sewerage infrastructure including networks.

Environment:

·         The setting up of LAWCO and the publication of the River Basin Management Plan will considerably increase work on priority areas in 2018 while meeting the objectives of Connacht Ulster Waste Management Plan remains a priority in 2018

·         Mandatory works continue on our closed landfills and we will maintain the service in the operation of recovery and recycling facilities

·         We will continue to engage with communities and schools in out litter management programme.

·         Implementation  of the Waste Regulations will continue and it is anticipated we will receive grant funding under the anti-dumping initiative in 2018 as we carried out successful initiatives in 2017 including the purchase of a drone will allow for increased monitoring and enforcement.

Roads and Transportation:

·         The figures included in the draft budget for the Roads Grants  2018 are in line with 2017 allocations as notification not yet received from TII. The Roads Programme for 2018 will be presented to Municipal Districts for adoption in early 2018.

·         Ongoing reduction in funding for local roads maintenance

·         Necessary to prioritise pavement maintenance and road drainage in 2018 while other functions such as litter control, grass cutting, road sweeping will be provided within the limited resources available.

·         Need to continue monitoring spend on public lighting although commenced upgrading to LED lighting

·         Inclusion of €174k for Low cost remedial measures such as renewed signage, road lining and improved junction definition and bridge inspections

·         Capital programme is funded by TII and includes €6.1m for N61 realignment Ratallen & Treanagry, closeout of Ballaghaderreen Bypass, planning and design of N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge and advance works on N60 Oran and N61 Coolteigue.

Mr. Martin Lydon presented his report on Planning and Enterprise:

Planning & Enterprise

·         Foreward planning will commence preparation of Roscommon Development Plan 2020-2026

·         Provision for Joint Retail Strategy

·         Seminars throughout Q1 2018 for Rural Design guidelines to bring clarity for agents and customers

·         Vacant Site Levy will come into effect from 1 June 2018

·         Town Planning Unit set up with two planners and one architect in-house. Who have commenced work in Boyle

·         Development Management – increase in planning applications year on year and now advocating pre-planning service.

·         Encouraging signs for our industrial sites with microenterprises looking for sites

·         Tourism Development – A strategy was developed in 2017 and need to tap into the potential of the River Shannon

·         Expansion of Town and Village plans

·         Unfinished housing estates continue to make progress

·         Need to market County Roscommon

·         Town teams are now incorporated companies – taking on increasing number of good initiatives that should be promoted

·         Community support in recreation with funding for GAA, Soccer, Rugby and ladies football in 2018

·         Development of the Arts with extension for Arts Centre.

·         Involvement in Music Generation for next 3 years with a contribution of €50,000 to bring music to all schools.

·         Capital Works include the Innovation Centre and a potential €4m funding from CLAR and Town and Villages will necessitate plans for ‘shovel ready’ projects. Development of the Royal Hotel site in Boyle will be a big project to commence but will not be a hotel as licence now gone and Council not in hotel business.

The Members welcomed the Draft Budget as presented by the Chief Executive with the following comments and questions:

·         Significant expenditure of €54million and the increase from 2016 indicates an improvement in the county.

·         Comment on the refusal rate of 38% of 144 houses offered as there are 539 households on the waiting list.

·         Disappointment that the N5 from Tibohine to Scramoge is not included for upgrading by TII as yet.

·         Urge the executive to look at all options with regard to the development of the Royal Hotel site in Boyle

·         Welcome new Development Guidelines

·         Company in Elphin can supply home heating oil in small quantities which would suit low income families

·         Welcome the upgrade of the North East Roscommon RWSS although some people do not realise the water is now safe to drink.

·         Thanks to litter wardens for diligent work in relation to the growing problem of fly-tipping

·         Need to grow the libraries facilities

·         Too slow of progress in relation to N5 upgrade at Clashaganny and Tulsk

·         Need more resources to fund land drainage.

·         Agree with the need for more marketing of County Roscommon form tourism perspective

·         It has been a very difficult year as a ratepayer with the changes of valuations. It is also worrying that €2.8m rates amount is under appeal to valuation tribunal

·         Concern no funding for upgrade of N60 national secondary road

·         Welcome the housing survey that should help identify and subsequently upgrade unsuitable heating systems in our housing stock

·         The Town Teams have given all towns a lift with funded projects

·         Knock Airport – As the airport wad a profit of €643k last year will Roscommon County Council receive a dividend?

·         Why is the cost of dog control so expensive – need to always look for better value

·         Importance of getting unfinished housing estates to the point at which they can be sold. How many houses may come on-stream to deal with social and affordable issues in Co. Roscommon?

·         Welcome Innovation Centre but are we entering an area that is already facilitated by the private sector i.e. is there a duplication of funding?

·         Welcome turnkey developments for Boyle

·         Revaluation has led to uncertainty about rates

·         Can the Council access SEAI funding for improvements that will be required as a result of housing condition survey?

·         Welcome the proposed capital investment in Castlerea Swimming pool and the funding of sports development in the county in a number of sporting areas

·         Welcome the Lough Mask Water project that is underway and solve the water problems for Ballinlough and Loughglynn

·         Complement the voluntary work done by Tidy Towns committees

·         Disappointed that there is not enough funding coming from central government for maintenance of local roads and hope to see increase in allocation when its announced

·         We should be encouraging builders to build houses

·         Need more monitoring of Bring Banks and in particular where there are Clothing Banks

·         When can we expect a directive on one off housing?

·         When can we expect final account on Áras an Chontae?

·         Welcome the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 153.

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Dineen

           SECONDED by Councillor Fallon

And AGREED that pursuant to Section 143(a) & 143(b) of the Local Government Act, 2001, “That Roscommon County Council pay an Annual Allowance of €20,000 and €4,000 in 2018 to the Cathaoirleach and Leas-Cathaoirleach of the County Council respectively to cover the reasonable expenses incurred in respect of attendance at functions”.                  

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Shanagher

           SECONDED by Councillor Doherty

And AGREED that Roscommon County Council authorise the incurring of reasonable expenditure in connection with receptions, entertainment and the making of presentations to distinguished persons and in connection with the holding of special events relevant to its functions during 2018.

It was PROPOSEDby Councillor Murphy

          SECONDED by Councillor Dineen

And AGREED that Roscommon County Council by resolution adopt for the financial year ending 31st December, 2018, the Budget as set out in Tables A, B, C, D, E & F.

It was PROPOSEDby Councillor Kilduff

          SECONDED by Councillor Ward 

And AGREED that Roscommon County Council determine in accordance with the Budget, as adopted the rates set out in Tables A and C to be the annual rate on valuation to be levied for the financial year ending 31st December, 2018, for the purposes set out in those tables, as amended.

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Connolly

             SECONDED by Councillor Murphy

And AGREEDthat Roscommon County Council set the rate of refund in relation to vacant properties at 100% as per Section 31 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 and The Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014.

It was PROPOSED by Councillor Cummins

            SECONDED by Councillor Fallon

And AGREEDthat Roscommon County Council by resolution adopt the Three Year Capital Programme (2018-2020) as per Section 135 of the Local Government Act.