Town Council Approves Budget for 2010
Tralee Town Council has unanimously approved an annual budget of €19,138,104 for 2010 at its meeting on January 12th last. It is 8% less than that adopted by members for 2009 prior to the introduction of cost savings during the year. There has been no increase in the Commercial Rate, parking, refuse or commercial water charge. In his Manager’s Report to members, Mr. Michael McMahon, stated that the level of estimated income in the budget is the minimum required to ensure that the level of service provision being provided by the Council is not compromised and the improvements that have been achieved in the past number of years can be sustained.
The Council is conscious of the necessity to maintain the commercial competitiveness of the town and the difficult economic commercial environment that exists at present, he said. Despite the contraction of the rate base in the past year the Council has been able to avoid a rate increase due to the reductions in the costs outlined in page two and a curtailment of certain services. The Council will also look to utilise the capital programme to ensure continued improvements for the infrastructure of the town and an element of funding for the permanent work force. Staffing costs have been reduced by €900,000 over the past year.
Due to the recession and general economic slowdown an 18.75% reduction has been projected in commercial rates income to the Council. There has been a 9.8% cut in Central Government Funding to the Council (Local Government Fund) but t the County Demand (payment for services to Kerry County Council) has shown a decrease of 7% and the Council has been allowed to retain 65% of the salary reduction in staff wages introduced as part of the December budget. No service programme has remained unaffected by the cuts in expenditure but it is hoped that Capital Projects like the multi-million euro Mitchel's Regeneration Programme, funded by the Government, will help to alleviate the effects of the revenue cuts on the wider Tralee economy.
Expenditure 2010
Income 2010
Budget Highlights
· Delivery of the Mitchel’s Regeneration Project
· Continued programme of window and door replacement
· Tenancy Enforcement Officer from own resources
· Estate Enhancement Scheme (retained at reduced level)
· Provision for additional Public Lighting (specific funding provided in 2008 carried forward)
· Provision for access for All
· Footpath improvements
· Continued provision for maintenance of Flood Relief Scheme
· Concentration on management of Leaks
· Old pipe replacement programme
· Derelict sites improvements
· Area Action Plan for Lr. Rock Street/Matt Talbot Road/Gas Terrace Area
· No increase in charges for refuse service
· Provision for St. John’s burial ground
· No provision for landfill closure plan
· Grass cutting focus on public areas
· New Photographic exhibition for Museum/reduced opening period
· Capital improvements in two areas - Princes Quay and Basin Road Approach
· Tidy Town Initiatives retained
· Cultural /Festival activities retained