Elected members on any council or assembly disagreeing over policy matters is not news – not until it comes down to raising taxes – and taxes on private property in this instance.
Cllr. Charlie Farrelly has announced this morning that he and fellow independent, Cllr. Jackie Healy Rae were on opposite sides to Cllr. Bobby O’Connell, Fine Gael and Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald, Fianna Fáil when the raising of the tax on property for the year ahead was voted on in the council chamber on Monday.
Cllr. Farrelly’s Statement
“I would like to take this opportunity to inform the electorate of the Castleisland Electoral Area, that, following Kerry County Council Budget meeting, it was agreed by a majority of 16 to 12 that the local property tax would be increased by 10% for the coming year.
“Of the four local elected councillors, two voted in favour of the increase, Councillor O’Connell and Councillor Fitzgerald and Councillor Jackie Healy Rae and myself voted against.
“For local householders this is an increase of €9 if your house is valued up to €100,000 and €22.50 per year if your house value is between €101,000 and €150,000.
“€31.50 of an increase if your house is valued at €151,000 to €200,000 and. €40.50 of an increase if your house is valued €201,000 to €250,000.
“The reason that I voted against the increase was that I felt that I would be letting the people who voted for me last May badly down,” said Cllr. Farrelly.
