No business rate rise, Kells council decides

There will be no increase in business rates or paid parking in Kells following the adoption of the town council's budget for 2011. Next year's budget will provide for expenditure of €2,556,538, compared to €2,861,835 in 2010 - a reduction of €305,297. In delivering the budget, Town manager Kevin Stewart said the budget had been drafted against the background of the most difficult economic circumstances, with a reduction in rates income, a reduction in the local government fund and a reduction in parking income. Mr Stewart said he had considered the many suggestions put forward by the council over the past 12 months and that the funding required to address all the issues identified by the council was beyond its capacity to fund. The focus this year would be on maintaining essential services. Councillors were reminded that the council's rate base has been stagnant for many years and that a reduction of the town's rate base occurred in 2010. Mr Stewart explained that the council's priorities were to present a balanced budget that focused on the council's key services, to continue to provide support for disadvantaged communities in Kells and to minimise the impact of budget reductions and any increases in rates on the industrial, commercial and business community at a time of trading difficulties, and to continue to pursue a strong and effective management approach to deliver client-focused, open services that has quality, efficiency and value for money at its centre. A business grant incentive pilot scheme is being introduced to encourage the use of vacant commercial premises in Kells town centre. Free parking will once again be provided in the run-up to Christmas 2011. Work is due to start on the Cavan Road wall in 2011 and a provision of €10,000 has been included in the budget towards the estimated €100,000 cost of the works. Some €5,000 has been provided towards the Spire of Loyd to address issues allowing controlled public opening of the spire and funding has also been provided in the 2011 budget for the replacement of the canopy over the Cross of Kells. An allocation of €8,500 has been provided for the Local Development Fund and community initiatives. Councillors congratulated the council officials on managing to present a balanced budget in difficult circumstances. Cllr Brian Curran said everything essential was included and that the officials had ensured that services would continue in the town despite the limited resources and loss of a large ratepayer who is no longer in business since the last budget meeting. Cllr Tommy Grimes said everyone knew there is a downturn and the figures could have been worse. Cllr Frankie Lynch and Cllr Oliver Sweeney also congratulated the officials on presenting a balanced budget. Cllr Brian Collins noted that there was no contingency plan and commented that the decrease in the local government fund over the past few years meant there was “no fat left and they were cutting deep into the muscle and boneâ€. Cllr Bryan Reilly said it was not easy to arrive at a balanced budget and the town is going through a difficult period. There is no-one to help them only themselves and that the council had to be proactive and fight back. He said they would love to be in a position to reduce rates but that it was not possible given that they had lost some substantial and smaller ratepayers. Cllr Sean Drew agreed that they would like to be in a position to reduce rates and parking charges but would have to be realistic. If they did that, they would not be able to provide essential services. Cllr Sarah Reilly pointed out that there was nothing in the budget put towards playgrounds. She said she would like to have seen some money made available for repair work, if necessary. Town clerk Jarlath Flanagan said they had spent almost €13,000 on playgrounds last year and had not made specific funding available for 2011. Cathaoirleach Cllr Conor Ferguson asked would all services be maintained and was told they would.