Tuesday 1 April 2025

PRESENT:

Councillors: T Berry (Chairman), D Little, J Thomas.

Officers: S Saunders (Town Clerk), G Shaw (treasurer), S Harris (Assistant Clerk) 

29. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor T Schmeising-Barnes.

30. MINUTES

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting of the Committee held on the 18^th March 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

31. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

32. ONLINE MANAGEMENT OF THE ALLOTMENTS AND COMMUNITY CENTRES The Town Clerk provided an overview of the packages offered by the Town Councils current accounting software provider regarding the management of allotments and community centres. The software package for allotments consisted of an initial payment of £209, and an annual fee of £348. A further quotation had been received for the online management of community centres which required an initial payment of £399 and an annual fee of £624. A discussion was held on the benefits to the Town Council and it was resolved to proceed with the online packages.

33. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

Decision:  That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of "exempt information" as defined in paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

34. BUDGET UPDATE RELATING TO ADMINISTRATION AND STAFFING 

The Town Clerk advised that the Treasurer to the Town Council had submitted his resignation. The Town Clerk had undertaken a review of similar vacancies and proposed that the role be re-named to Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) which would align with comparable job descriptions. It was proposed that the hours of the role increase from 10 hours per week, to 20 hours to meet the growing requirements of the Town Council. The Town Clerk proposed that the budget for the vacant Administrative Assistant position be utilised to pay for the additional hours. A considered discussion took place, and it was resolved to proceed with the recommendation to recruit a Responsible Finance Officer on a part time basis (20 hours). 

The Treasurer was thanked by all Members for his service and dedication to the Town Council over the last 11 years

Chairman

The Meeting closed at 12:00pm.