PEMBROKE DOCK PRECEPT IS CUT

 

Despite having some large “one off” costs for the next financial year, on top of the usual inflationary pressures, Pembroke Dock Town councillors have still managed to cut their annual precept by £4000.  Mayor Pam George was delighted that after a lengthy debate with some items having essential increases, there were still enough cuts suggested for a 2.59% reduction.  

There some degree of satisfaction amongst all councillors that this had been achieved, while at the same time some major new projects being supported in the budget.  £5000 was set aside for further improvements to the Pater Hall; £8000 towards schemes for play areas at the Memorial Park; £8000 for potential legal fees for the Council’s application for village green status  for the land between Stranraer Road and Military Road in Pennar  and £5000 into the fund for the Town’s bi-centennial celebrations in four  years.

Other town events also supported in the budget were the Summer Festival (£6500); the Winter Parade, Fireworks and other Christmas Activities (£7,500) and the work of the Museum Trust at the Guntower (£2500) – all of which the council feels is so important in promoting the town. 

The Christmas lighting this year was over-budget at £8200 so this was increased to £10,000, although councillors were aware that other towns spent considerably more.  Members felt inflation should not be allowed to reduce the quality of next December’s display although a bigger increase in this item could not be justified in the present economic climate.  The summer hanging basket scheme was “lightly pruned” by just £200 as councillors again felt this added a lot to the town.

Town Clerk Moira Saunders reminded the council that cash in reserves was lower than the recommended 25% - 30% of total annual spend even with a possible small budget surplus by the end of this financial year in March, but councillors chose not to aim to increase reserves directly but hoped that even with the reduced budget, careful management of finances could still give another surplus at the end of the next financial year.