Adopted Budget 2019

The key objectives of the 2019 Budget are to:

• maintain essential and other local authority services,
• continue the programme of supports to our communities,
• support the economic recovery process locally and
• seek continued efficiencies in service provision, cost reduction and value for money.

The Council was notified by Circular Letter Letter Fin 04/2018 of the 19th July, 2018 from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government of our provisional local property tax (LPT) allocation for 2019 in the amount of €25,951,602, which corresponds with the amount notified for the current year.

The Council made a decision at the monthly meeting held on the 10th September, 2018 not to vary the adjustment factor for the Local Property Tax which would retain the LPT at 2018 levels. This has resulted in a decrease in the overall income available to the Council of €1,182,911.

The Department of Housing,Planning, and Local Government has confirmed by Circular Fin 06/2018 dated the 2nd October, 2018 that the LPT allocation to Tipperary County Council in 2019 will be €25,951,602.

This reduced income, combined with the need to make financial provision to assure the continued operation and viability of the community projects/arts centres/leisure centres presented at the Council`s September meeting is reflected in the Draft Budget for 2019.

Accordingly, it has been necessary to reduce allocations in other areas including the General Municipal Allocation (GMA).

The desire to respond to increasing demands for enhanced and additional local services can only be met through increasing the income base of the budget. I have highlighted this as a concern in previous budgets and the concern remains valid.

valid.