14 January 2004: Naas Town Council will have an unprecedented €7.5m to spend on providing services for the town for 2004.

Last night councillors adopted the draft budget as presented by town manager Tommy Skehan by 6 votes to 2 with Cllrs Pat McCarthy and Mary Glennon voting against.

They also agreed an increase of 5.5% on the annual rate on valuation for the coming year. This figure calculates to €57.88 to meet the total sum to be raised of €3,737,910.

The draft budget provided for a total expenditure of €5,937,366 which when added to the County Charge the Council pays Kildare County Council for services of €1,500,500 gives a total gross expenditure of €7,437,866. This represents a 12.5% increase on 2003.

Mr Skehan said he considered this reasonable having regard to the level of services being provided by Naas Town Council to the population of the town.

Adoption of the draft budget was proposed by Cllr Willie Callaghan, and was seconded by Cllr Eibhlin Bracken.

Cllr McCarthy had proposed an amendment that the draft budget not be accepted unless sufficient monies were found to fund a waiver scheme for those unable to meet the cost of the refuse collection service. This was seconded by Cllr Glennon. The amendment was defeated.

Cllr Anthony Egan had made his apologies saying he was unable to attend the meeting.