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BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL

Finance Sub-Committee

Members Room Bridgwater Town Hall

10.00am 01 December 2004

 

Present: Cllrs JG Granter (substitute), WH Munn, MD Needs, KF Richards and J Turner JP

Apologies: Cllrs Moore, Parker and Mrs Slocombe

 

1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN:

RESOLVED: That Cllr John Turner JP be elected Chairman for the ensuing year

(Cllr Turner in the Chair)

 

2. TRANSFER OF ALLOTMENT LAND:

The Town Clerk confirmed that a response was awaited from SDC on the claim

relating to the Chilton 2 allotment land – the one remaining issue.

 

3. DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2005/2006:

Draft estimates had been prepared and circulated together with background information based on 2003/4 and 2004/5, the estimated out-turn at 31 March 2005 and the decisions taken by the Finance Sub-Committee in recommendations to the Council last year. The tax-base for the town had been provided by SDC estimated at 9997.46 Band D equivalents for 2005/6. The Town Clerk invited Members to consider the items individually providing explanations for significant variations and additions within the figures including those arising from decisions taken by the Council through the year.

 

RESOLVED: 1) That the estimates as now approved be put forward to the Council meeting on 09 December 2004 for the purpose of securing the precept for 2005/2006 of £91519.06 for Town Council purposes exclusive of Special Expenses for Cemeteries and Street Lighting (other than new scheme contributions), equating to £9.15 per Band D property; and 2) that the following be noted:

 
i) The review of the hours and salary of the Town Clerk and RFO

ii) The future provision of office accommodation, equipment and administrative arrangements dependant upon facilities available with the re-location of SDC staff from the Town Hall

iii) The THI contribution agreed for five years to 2004/5

iv) Grant aid applications and provisional proposals for a ward based grant scheme

 

4. TOWN CLERK AND RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER:

Upon the appointment of the Town Clerk and RFO it had been agreed to review the contractual arrangements, hours and salary after a period of time with the experience of the Town Council operations. Posts of this standing should be assessed on a national scheme with recommendations for salary levels and gradings. 

A review was carried out taking into account the assessed workload after one year, the national scale recommendations based on population and responsibility provided by the NALC and comparisons with other authorities. Future developments including public accessibility were not included but were noted (Min 3)ii)). On this basis 20 hours was appropriate at this time.

The initial salary equivalent from commencement at 01 November 2003 was point 26 within the 5001-10000 population band. A national salary increase of 2.5% was applicable to this point from 01 April 2004 but Members determined that with effect from

01 November 2005 the salary point should be raised to point 34 (the bottom point within the banding for 15001-20000 population) as more appropriately reflecting the level of duties and responsiblities and that the national scale should be applied. 

RESOLVED: 1) That the hours of the post with current responsibilities and accessibility continue at 20 hours per week (80 per month x 12); 2) that the salary of the Town Clerk be paid as follows:

i) from 01 April 2004 to 30 October 2004 Salary Point 26 (10.246 hr) (back pay £137.76 oncosts)

ii) from 01 November 2004 to 31 March 2005 Salary Point 34 (13.205 hr) (Nov back pay £ 256.40 oncosts) and

iii) from 01 April 2005 Salary Point 34 (13.595 hr)

 

5. GRANT TO LA CIOTAT LINK SOCIETY:

The Town Clerk reported on the reply received from the Society about their activities in 2004, plans for 2005 and the receipt of their balance sheet. Provision for a grant to the Society had been made in the 2004/5 budget.

 

RESOLVED: That the Society be informed that the grant of £1500.00 will be paid when confirmation is received of the planned Choral twinning (Provision for a similar grant has been made in the estimates for 2005/6 above).

 

6. MAYOR'S CHAIN:

RESOLVED: That the action taken by the Town Mayor to obtain the repair and cleaning of the Mayor's Chain and Medallion be agreed.  

 

 Meeting finished at 12.15pm