Present:
Mr M Rollé (Chairman), Mr M Abbott, Mr G Bisson, Mrs A Butcher, Mr J Charlesworth, Mr L Cornell, Mrs H Klaassen, the Revd Dr C Wilkins and Mrs P Wyeth.
In Attendance:
Mrs M Weston (Clerk to the Council)
Apologies for Absence:
Mr P Boyes, Mr K Kaljura and Mrs A Trend
Exempt Item
Declarations of Interest
None.
Minutes
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting held on 16 November 2010 be approved as a true and accurate record
Matters Arising
The Clerk reported that during the current financial year to date grant aid had been received from Ineos, Costa Coffee, New Forest District Councillor Pat Wyeth, HCC Rural Access Forum and NFNPA Sustainable Development Fund, with LEADER funding anticipated in the near future as well as another scheme for grant aid in the pipeline.
Accounts
Copies of accounts to today’s date together with projected accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 had been circulated to all Councillors.
Clerk’s Salary
The Clerk withdrew from the meeting and discussion took place. Voting took place and the following resolution was passed with a majority of 6:3.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk’s salary be increased by 3.5% per annum from 1 April 2012 in recognition of work undertaken over and above hours paid.
Estimates 2012/2013
Estimates for the financial year 1st April 2011 to 31 March 2012 were presented.
| Allotments Committee |
£4,500.00 |
| Amenities Committee |
£7,110.00 |
| Cemetery Committee |
£6,875.00 |
| Planning Committee |
£300.00 |
| Recreation Committee |
£13,400.00 |
| Administration |
£28,428.00 |
| Total |
£60,613.00 |
RESOLVED: That these estimates be accepted.
Any Other Items Requiring Budget Consideration
(a) Section 137 Allocation
Discussion took place regard possible Section 137 allocation for the financial year 2011/12.
RESOLVED: That no specific allocation will be made for Section 137 for the financial year April 2012 to March 2013 but that if the allocation for the current financial year was not used it could be carried forward.
(b) Reserve/Contingency Fund
The Clerk reported that the reserve fund was in a healthy condition, Councillors were, so far during this financial year, spending in line with their budgets and the reserve fund was likely to be in line with the budget by 31 March 2012. However, due to the current financial climate it was considered prudent to keep a further sum for non specific items that might occur and need payment during the year.
RESOLVED: That the sum of £1668.00 be allocated for the financial year April 2012 to March 2013.
(c) Exempt Item
Precept Resolution
RESOLVED: To recommend that a Precept of £62,281 be requested from NFDC for the financial year 2011/2012.
Any Other Business
(a) Internet Banking
The Clerk explained that as people were being encouraged not to use cheques, payments were now being made direct into the Parish Council current bank account.
This sometimes made it difficult to track items as bank statements were only received on a monthly basis. Lloyds Bank have indicated that should the Parish wish to switch to Internet Banking a letter with three signatures on it will be required.
RESOLVED:
i. That the Clerk bring a suitable letter to the next Parish Council meeting for signature.
ii. That no outgoing transactions be permitted using this banking system.
(b) Reserve/Contingency Sum
The Clerk suggested that it might be appropriate to move some of the Parish Council’s reserve/contingency sum into a higher interest account.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk be authorised to move some of the Parish Council’s Reserve sum into a higher interest account and to report back to the Parish Council.
In the absence of any other business the Chairman thanked those present for attending and closed the meeting.
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