WESTERN BUREAU:
MAYOR OF Lucea and chairman of the Hanover Parish Council, councillor Lloyd Hill is concerned about the amount of money it costs to finance the Council and its income-generating capacity.
Mayor Hill made his comments in his January 2003 report at the Regular Monthly Meeting of the Hanover Parish Council last Thursday. According to him, in order to realise its full potential, the cost to finance the Council would have to be reduced in order for it to meet its expenses and provide the basic services to the parish.
"It is true that we have more potential to earn more money, but until the problems with personnel are addressed this will not improve in any significant way although the Ministry of Local Government and the Council continue to take decisions which can make a difference," said Mayor Hill.
"The Council can respond to the challenges ahead by getting rid of the 'Dead Woods' within the council and ensure that we have effective and efficient management," said Councillor Hill. "This will ensure that decisions taken by councillors and Council can be implemented efficiently and without delay."
"This may require engaging qualified persons to manage the Councils on a contractual basis for the life of the Council," said Mayor Hill. "This would ensure that the Councils are managed by persons who are sympathetic to the Local Government Reform process and are capable of working towards its success."
Mayor went on to say that the Hanover Parish Council consisted of persons who are qualified for their jobs and are progressive in their thinking, but who are being stifled at this time. He said that despite these problems the Council has continued to carry out its basic functions and services efficiently.
"Prior to the Christmas Holidays we were able to do more work per division than most councils thereby beautifying communities and cleaning drains and providing additional employment at this special time of the year," said Mayor Hill. "It is not impossible for our Council and other councils to succeed and function in a meaningful way, but we will have to work with the Ministry of Local Government and take some important decisions this year that will strengthen the local authorities and enable us to move forward."
In concluding, Mayor Hill express disappointment at the non-attendance of members of the public at Council meetings and voiced his displeasure at the garbage collection service in the parish, which was not being properly done.
