20 January 2021
Minutes of the Finance Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 20 January 2021
Present: Cllrs B Vincent (Chairman), Cllr Mrs A Wormald (Vice Chairperson), M Holyer, L Hemingway, J Sargent, S Walmsley, S Chamberlain, A Stubbins, S Chambers
Members of the Public: 2
Item 1 - Apologies: Cllr S Walmsley informed those present that Cllr Mrs J Ellis would not be in attendance at the meeting.
Item 2 - Conflicts of Interest: None received
Item 3 – To receive the quarterly update on income and expenditure for October to December 2020 (third quarter combined)
The quarterly update was duly noted.
Item 4 – To consider financial planning and budgeting for 2021/2022
Members discussed the proposed budget entries in line with the income lost within the current financial year through the effects of the pandemic. It was decided to remove the following:
- A quotation received to maintain a separate area of the car park if the car park is leased to a management company.
- The employment or services of a Community Officer for Ingoldmells
It was suggested that the Chairman’s allowance be increased from £300 to £500. All other proposed entries to remain in the 2021/2022 budget. The Clerk asked for clarity on the decision to engrave the links on the Chain of Office or as suggested by Cllr B Vincent to have discs added and engraved in keeping with the cosmetics of the existing chain. The second option would increase the cost. Clarity was not forthcoming. The budget will be amended and presented at the full Council meeting of the 10th February for approval. Proposed by Cllr L Hemingway and seconded by Cllr S Walmsley. All present were in favour.
Item 5 – To transact any other financial business
Cllr S Walmsley spoke of the need to replace panels in the bus shelters and agreed to survey them in the first week of February. Cllr S Chambers suggested that the repairs should either be completed in the next couple of months or be left to the autumn after the holiday season is finished. His opinion was that if they are repaired at the start of the season they could be vandalised again by the end of the season. The Clerk was asked to source a new quote for concrete seats. A discussion took place with regard to the current viability in advertising the chamber for office rental. It was suggested by Cllr S Chamberlain that under the current climate of the pandemic it would not be wise to pursue it at this point in time. Cllr J Sargent spoke of the importance of the Council in finding ways to economise in order to keep the Council investments intact. He also suggested it prudent to think of ways to increase Council income for 2021/2022.
Item 6 – To confirm a date for the next meeting of the Finance Committee
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 21st April 2021 at 7pm by Virtual Zoom.
The meeting closed at 7.45pm.
Signed: ………………………………… Chairman
Signed: ………………………… Clerk and RFO