A special meeting of the Limerick County Council was held on Saturday, with Mr Roserr CoLr, the chairman, presiding. The meeting began with a discussion regarding the delay in the collection of rates by some rate collectors who had not fulfilled their duties promptly. Several collectors attended the meeting and explained that they were facing difficulties in collecting money during this time of the year. They promised to make an effort to close their warrants once the fairs in their districts were held.
The chairman emphasized the importance of collecting rates promptly, reminding the collectors that the council could not afford to wait. Mr Coleman noted that many people waited until the last moment to pay their rates and suggested that if the council pressed the collectors through the press, taxpayers might be more motivated to pay on time. The chairman and Mr Hurley acknowledged the collectors’ challenges in obtaining money at this time of year, particularly in economically deprived districts.
Moving on to other matters, the council discussed the temporary appointment of a rate collector to replace the late Mr John Conway. The Local Government Board had no objections to the temporary appointment but required the new collector to provide security. A vote of condolence was passed for the late Mr Conway, and the council considered several candidates for the temporary vacancy.
A report from the Finance Committee regarding the claim of the County Surveyor for an increase in salary due to increased duties related to the direct labour scheme was also discussed. The committee recommended making provisions to compensate the surveyor for increased traveling expenses. Some council members suggested adjourning the matter for further consideration, while others proposed alternative solutions, such as dividing the county into two districts with a surveyor for each.
The meeting also addressed surcharges of council members who had signed cheques based on the recommendation of their officers. It was agreed to seek remission of the surcharges and address the matter further in the future. Additionally, a resolution from the Rathkeale District Council in support of allocating £3,000 from the county guarantee to the Kerry Railway for the construction of a bacon factory in the town was discussed.
Delegates for the County Council were appointed, and a proposal to grant additional poundage to rate collectors was debated. After various suggestions and votes, it was decided to grant an additional £10 to the collectors in lieu of expenses.
Finally, the secretary presented the figures regarding the expenditure estimate for the financial year, but the council agreed to adjourn the matter for the next meeting to allow for more information and input from the District Councils, which represent the ratepayers more directly.
The meeting of the Limerick County Council covered a range of important topics, addressing the efficient collection of rates, appointments, expenditure estimates, and the welfare of the county. The decisions made during the meeting would have implications for the operations and administration of the county in the coming months.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 02 February 1904
