Minutes for Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting on Tuesday 24th January 2023
Present: Cllrs L. Bennett (in the Chair), P Clark, I Houston (Vice Chair), J Thomas.
In Attendance: S Hillier (Clerk),
Welcome and to receive apologies for absence
Cllr L Bennett welcomed Councillor's.
Apologies were received from Cllr D Coffin and Cllr T Hunt.
1.To receive declarations of interest.
All Councillor's present declared a pecuniary dispensation in order to decide on the Budget and Precept.
2.Public Forum.
There were no members of the public present.
3.To receive Draft Budget and Finalise the Budget for 2023-2024
The Draft Budget was circulated. The Clerk noted that line items had been added for the Coronation and a Tree Survey on the Playing Field. Also monies had been allocated to repair the War Memorial. A sum had also been added towards the future purchase of equipment to replace the climbing frame which is coming towards the end of its life. Following discussion between the Councillor's present the Draft Budget was approved.
4. Setting the Precept for 2023-2024
The Clerk explained that the number of Band D equivalent properties on which the precept is based had dropped this year by 1.4%. This could be due to properties being empty, holiday properties, etc. The Councillors looked at several possibilities and decided that it would be prudent to keep any rise as low as possible but at the same time maintaining the level of income. Councillor's approved a Precept of £16025.00, the same as last year but representing a 0.66p per annum. increase in the precept per Band D equivalent property or an increase of 1.4%, much lower than the cost of living rise and lower than the increase to be set by Dorset Council. - Agreed unanimously.
5. Any Other Information.
The Clerk submitted a number of invoices for approval – all were agreed
KM Dike inv 1505 £162.88 Clerk salary £187.68
I Houston (web services) £184.14 Xmas Tree £55.00
P Chapman Balance of salary £41.40 Software £36.49
Balance in Current Account £6,927.88 Deposit Account £17,411.50
Cllr Clark noted that a tool was required to tighten a bolt on a piece of equipment in the play area. Wicksteads to be contacted as they had moved the equipment.
Cllr Bennet noted that Cllr Hunt had indicated that he would be standing down at the AGM and so Councillors were urged to see if they could find somebody willing to be co-opted to take his place.