Six municipalities have presented their 2011 budgets to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kellawan Lall.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, Lall cautioned councillors of the municipalities that more care ought to be taken to first consult their constituencies before preparing their budgets. He also said that more focus needs to be placed on garbage collection and the creation of more landfill sites for proper solid waste management in the municipalities.
To this end, the minister noted that government is in the process of acquiring 12 garbage trucks to be distributed among the more populous municipalities, notwithstanding the ones that the Mayor and City Council will buy with its subvention.
Permanent Secretary Nigel Dharamlall reminded the municipal representatives that the presentation of a budget to the minister is a requirement of law. He said the ministry expected budgets with emphasis on solid waste management, tax collection and infrastructure improvements.
The Anna Regina Town Council estimates its total revenue and expenditure for 2011 at $81,006,207. The council said this represents a 5.52 per cent increase over that of 2010. It noted too that in 2011 its focus will be on drainage, roads and streets, garbage disposal and maintenance. This is expected to benefit a population of about 13,000 in a town of approximately 78.5 square kilometres. In addition to government’s subvention the municipality at Anna Regina garners revenue from municipal property tax on more than 6,300 properties, market revenue, grants, gifts, donations and rents.
The New Amsterdam Municipality said that although more homes are being built and a few new businesses established, it has noted a decline in the business sector to the point where some businesses are converted to residences, or abandoned.
The municipality also said the fire that ravaged Pitt Street, New Amsterdam has added to the decline as some businesses have yet to be re-established. The budget for New Amsterdam is $129,583,365, which represents a decrease of more than $700,000 from last year. The council plans to focus on better abattoir services, the collection and disposal of garbage and the proper management of the municipal market. The more than 41,000 residents will also benefit from improved public health services and better infrastructure.
Rose Hall Town has an estimated population of 12,500 and the projected budget is $46,579,397. It says that the lion’s share is budgeted for capital works. The council, which is run by an Interim Management Committee, noted that it still needed to address revenue collection as this is its main source of income.
GINA said a proposed estimate of the revenue and expenditure for the Corriverton Municipality for 2011, calls for a total of $70, 728,887 to benefit about 30,000 residents. The municipality said it plans to focus on completing the valuation of properties next year so that persons can pay their taxes. Its programme also includes better solid waste management, the cleaning and clearing of drains and canals and the maintenance of culverts.
