Foreword by the Director of Services

To; The Mayor and Each Member of Sligo Borough Council

I enclose for your consideration the Draft Budget for Sligo Borough Council for the year 2008. This proposes a total estimated expenditure of almost €20m.  This is an increase of €1.3m or 7.3% on the Budget for 2007.  The increase arises from the additional cost of inflation and the County Demand and provisions for increased activity in programmes such as;

• Housing Maintenance and Management – 10%
• Road Maintenance and Public Lighting – 10%
• Street Cleaning – 9%
• Maintenance of Parks and Open Spaces; and – 13.5%
• Pedestrianisation and City Centre Enhancements – 50%

Principal Features of the 2008 Budget

We have not yet been notified by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government of the grant from the Local Government Fund for 2008, but we are assuming an increase of 5%. This will amount to an increase of €166,787 on the 2007 grant.

We expect that 2008 will see some additional financial buoyancy arising from the increased valuation of commercial property in the Borough and this coupled with a rate increase of 5.8% this has enabled me to make the provisions in the Draft Budget as outlined above. This results in a rate in the pound of €1.92 for 2008.

The County Demand shows an increase of €295,564 due mainly to increases in the County Council Budget for Water, Waste-Water, Fire, Library, and Museum and Environmental Services. While the increase for 2008 represents a substantial increase, I wish to advise the members that the commissioning of the new waste water treatment plant for the City and Environs will result in a dramatic increase in the County Demand in 2009.

An additional provision of €38,156 is proposed for the Scheme of Grants for the promotion of interest in the Local Community. Proposals included in this are an additional provision for the Arts Programme, Sligo Music Festival, Theatres and additional funding for resident groups.

It is widely acknowledged that there have been major improvements to the provision and maintenance of parks, open spaces and leisure facilities and the provision of increased funding in this area will continue  to maintain this high standard with an increase of €74,325 for 2008 expenditure.

The proposed budget for Pedestrianisation and City Centre Enhancements is €160,000.  Pedestrianisation is considered to be a key element in terms of making the city a more attractive place to live and visit

Car parking

A parking meter system was introduced in July 2007 to replace the existing disc system. There are considerable benefits connected with the introduction of this system. It is more convenient for customers in terms of payment and it provides significant information to the Council in terms of the management and operation of the system.

Development Contributions

Since the introduction of the Development Contribution Scheme in 2002 substantial funding has been collected. This has financed significant development in terms of parks, open spaces and road improvements works in the city. It will also enable the Council to provide other necessary infrastructure in the future including the provision of car parking. The existing scheme is due for review in 2008.

Conclusion

I wish to record my appreciation to John McNabola, Town Clerk, Marie Leydon Financial Management Accountant, Mary Blowick, Administrative Officer and all the staff who have contributed to the preparation of the Draft Budget.

I recommend the Draft Budget to the Council for Adoption.

Declan Breen,
Director of Services.

19th December 2007.