25 June 1997
Call for internal audit unit
Gerry Millett, principal local government auditor, has recommended the creation of an Internal Audit Unit at Mayo County Council. He said the matter should be seriously considered 'in view of the complexity of the council's operations and the magnitude of the annual financial budgets.'
Mr. Millett said the authority's total revenue and capital expenditure last year amount to £62m. He has also called for the appointment of extra staff resources to the area of the council's revenue collections.
"A reduction in the revenue debtors would substantially help the council's cash flow." Council £34m. in the red
Mayo County Council is £34m in the red.
The figure represents a reduction of £4.3m on last year's figure. A special repayment of debt totally £3.5m was made during the year in respect of housing loans. Mr. Tim Mullen, the council's finance officer, said 95% of the council's debt was in respect of mortgages to house buyers.
"We have no need to worry. All of this money is being paid back with interest.
"Our overdraft, in fact, is in a very healthy situation."
Where the money goes
Mayo County Council's major areas of expenditure during 1996 are outlined in their annual accounts, and the breakdown is as follows.
Housing programme (£8.6m), Road improvements (£1.6m); Water supply and sewerage (£15.6m); Environment programme (£170,000); Machinery purchase (£140,000); Industrial development (£268,000); Libraries and swimming pools (£235,000); and Office accommodation (£365,000).
Concern over rent collection
Concern has been expressed to Mayo County Council over their collection of housing rents and annuities.
Mr. Gerry Millett, principal local government auditor, said the collection yield of 68% showed a decline of two per cent on the previous year's figure.
This has resulted in an increase of arrears from £721,746 to £827,633.
Said Mr. Millett: "This worsening position was discussed with senior management and I have been informed that action is being taken on this area of income.
"All hardship cases are being treated fairly, but it was noted that a considerable number of tenants have not fully honoured agreements made with regard to payment of arrears."
Manager explains deficit
Mayo County Manager, Mr. Des Mahon, has explained why the council's revenue account showed a deficit of £656,498 in 1996.
He stated: "It is entirely due to a shortfall in the recoupment of higher reduction grants by the Department of Education. This shortfall was received in 1997.
"There was over expenditure in some areas, especially the Fire Service. This over expenditure was more than matched by savings in other areas and by increased income especially in respect of housing loans, water charges and planning fees.
Because of the buoyancy of income in 1996, it was possible for the council to clear some outstanding balances on the capital account and make provisions for anticipated capital expenditure.
They were Claremorris Swimming Pool (£33,925); Murrisk Famine Memorial (£44.018); County Enterprise Board offices (£49,578); Turlough Park project (£200,000); Library computer (£37,117); Computerisation of area offices (£88,135); Voluntary housing (£$,873); Ballinrobe Enterprise Centre (£4,746); Regional Laboratory (£20,045).
Council strike off rates
Mayo County Council have struck off a total of £452,095 in rates last year. . .over £92,000 greater than was provided for in the estimates.
Mr. Des Mahon, county manager, said the figure reflected the large number of commercial premises which were vacant in 1996.
He added there was considerable improvement, however, in the level of collection of water and sewage charges during the same period.
Refused planning permission
Mayo Count Council have refused planning permission for four developments in the county, and they are as follows.
Erection of house and septic tank at Cloonkeen, Westport Road, Castlebar (John F. Mugan, Lisnalurg, Sligo).
Construct four houses and septic tanks at Doctor's Road, Tooraree, Ballyhaunis (Thomas Lyons, Main Street, Ballyhaunis).
Construct house and septic tank at Lower Churchfield, Tourmakeady (Rebecca McCay, Lower Churchfield, Claremorris).
Extension to house and provide first floor accommodation at Nakil (Surgeview), Blacksod, Ballina (Terry Swinson, Blacksod).
