Rates increase proposal faces opposition from Cllrs

The proposal of a three percent rates increase in Westmeath is proving contentious at this morning's Westmeath County Council statutory budget meeting with elected representatives pitted against council officials who are arguing that the increase is necessary.

A thirty minute adjournment has been called to allow members come up with ways of negating the €392,751 impact that will result if the rate increase sought by the executive is not approved.

County CEO Barry Kehoe, setting out the current and projected budgetary position, told members that in preparing the budget, the management team wanted to lay the groundwork for the council’s term right through to 2029. To that end, he said, it was vital that the council adopt a medium-term approach, so that the development of Westmeath and, thereby, the quality of life locally can be maintained and improved to the maximum extent possible.

“I wish to reassure the members that the provision of such increases will not dissipate the Council’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency in the delivery of services,” he said, adding that the council management will also continue to maximise income from all other sources, including Government grants and initiatives.

Mr Kehoe said the council's draft budget anticipated expenditure in Westmeath this year of a total of €117.6 million, an increase of around €9.5 million on the 2024 figure, which was of €108.1 million.