Council passes a €137 million budget for 2018

KERRY County Council’s 2018 budget was passed at Monday’s meeting of councillors (27 for and five against) paving the way for over €137 million in public spending, projects and investments. The budget marks a €10 million increase on 2017 with Commercial Rates (30 percent) expected to generate the bulk of revenue.

Irish Water Income is up from €11.99 million in 2017 to €12.07 for 2018; estimated Local Property Tax income is also up to €14.48m from 2017’s figure of €13.78m. While income of €12 million from rents and loans is anticipated for 2018.

Council payroll costs, including pensions, travel and subsistence is up by just under €2million to €65.84m on 2017. This figure represents just under half of all spending for the council’s budget for in 2018.

Kerry County Council’s operational costs are also up to €46.14m representing an increase of just over €5m on 2017’s figure of €41.1m. Due to a 10 percent increase in road grants, the council is in a position to hire more outdoor staff in 2018, while a figure of €35 million in State aid grants is provided.

Lastly, €100 million is earmarked for capital programmes works.