Minutes Town Council Policy and Resources Committee (Special) - Monday 8 December 2008
Committee Members Present:
Councillor C Letchford (Chair)
Councillor C Hodgson
Councillor Mrs M McDonald
Councillor Mrs C Marsh
Councillor H A Pirwany
Councillor A Raymond
Councillor Mrs K Bickley (Town Mayor)
Councillor D Weekes (Chair, Property)
Other Members Present:
In Attendance:
D Bent (Town Clerk)
394. Apologies for Absence - An apology for absence was presented on behalf of Councillor M Morse.
395. Deferment of Business (for comment by the public) - There were no members of the public present.
396. Members' Questions - There were no questions received from Members.
397. Budget 2009/10 - The Town Clerk presented the Administration and Democratic budget accounts and explained the composition of the figures. The Chairman explained projected expenditure for the financial year 2008/9 against estimates for the same year, advised of an inflation figure of 5% for 2009/10 and an allowance of 5% on salaries and wages and, following discussion with the Clerk, had agreed to increase telephone and fax estimate to £3,000. He further reported that Council had failed to allow election costs during 2008/9 which had cost this Council £6,000, therefore due provision had been made for the estimates 2009/10.
Councillor Letchford referred to reserves held at 31 March 2008 at £136,000 with £55,000 in long-term assets leaving £81,000 working reserves. The auditor had recommended 25% of a precept at £50,000 and the Chairman concluded that the Council was comfortable. He projected reserves at 31 March 2009 at £180,000 which included £40,000 which this Council had endorsed as a sinking fund using the final receipt bonus monies from Waitrose; noted.
Members noted administration account contents, examined the democratic account, agreed to include the sum of £4,000 for costs in producing an alcohol-free zone area for Okehampton. Members questioned provision of £5,000 for CCTV contribution and on the proposition of Councillor Mrs Marsh, seconded by Councillor Weekes, it was resolved that no provision be allowed for CCTV as sufficient reserves were held by Council for this. Members noted the above sinking fund for major capital outlay, but further suggested an annual contribution to this sinking fund and agreed that a sum be allocated during the year 2009/10. Members were mindful of the contingency fund allocated by the Parks Committee at £3,360 and further requested the sum of 5% of the Town Hall and Charter Hall expenditure at £7,100 as a contingency fund; on the proposition of the Chairman it was resolved accordingly. Members noted budget provision for grants expenditure including the Ockment Centre and the Museum and on the proposition of the Chairman it was resolved to approve the budget in principle for the financial year 2009/10, subject to amendments, inclusions as above.
Meeting closed 9.30 pm.