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County manager rejects 'mismanagement' claims

The Sligo County Manager, Hubert Kearns has rejected the claims by some councillors that 'mismanagement' and 'fantacy budgets' were the underlying reasons for the current financial crisis facing Sligo County Council (SCC).

Mr Kearns was speaking to the media following the special meeting of the council. See SligoToday 9/8/12

While it has been confirmed that SCC, in financial terms, is the worst performing council in the State with a current deficit of €73m Mr Kearns claimed that there is a queue of councils behind Sligo who are also in financial difficulties.

Among the factors cited by the manager as contributing to the financial crisis was the huge cost of providing water treatment plants and waste water facilities required to meet European standards. Until 2010, raw sewage was being pumped into the bay and the waste water plant had been provided “in the national interest” as the Government was being forced to comply with EU directives but was costing €1.5 million a year to run.

A water charge per household is expected to be introduced.

Mr Kearns said that the council, like all other local authorities had lost their independence some years back and in regards to the water treatment, the council had to borrow €9m to qualify for the €41m Government grant.

The council acquired land in primary positions under the National Spacial Strategy, at great expense and with Government  encouragement, when Sligo was appointed a Gateway City.

"The council was encouraged to think big, to think big projects."

When the Gateway project was cancelled large debts were left as no grants or funding was forthcoming from the government.

Cuts

The County Manager said that 'discrectionary cuts' were being considered although the savings would be minimal. Discussions were ongoing with energy providers to perhaps 'dim' street lighting across the county in an effort to cut expenditure.

Currently there is no money available to keep verges clear and in other cuts, Life Guard services at all Sligo beaches may have to be withdrawn completely next year.

Mr Kearns agreed with the Local Authority Clearance Certificate recommendation by Grant Thornton whereby no grants would be paid to anybody not holding the certificate. The certificate would confirm that no outstanding debts were due to the council. These debts would include, the controversial Household and Septic Tank charges, motor tax, development charges or any debt due to the council. The county manager added that all government grants including agricultural grants would be included.

When asked by SligoToday.ie to comment on reports that his own pay, at €136,000, was €30,000 more than that of the Spanish prime minister, Mr Kearns said his salary rate was set by the Government. “I am surprised that the Spanish prime minister earns so little,” he said, adding his pay had been cut in 2008.