| The municipality’s cash-strapped state which had also hindered its ability to pay workers in a timely manner last month, has forced the Mayor & City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) to seek avenues to broaden its revenue.“This is a situation which has dogged us since 1994 when it was first proposed,” Mayor Hamilton Green said emphatically during a press conference yesterday at City Hall.He disclosed that the M&CC has not had smooth relations with many public entities, specifically the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and Guyana Power Light (GPL), since information and figures suggest that the council is owed a substantial amount of money.He added that research revealed that the property and premises known as Shelter Belt that is used by GWI is owned by the M&CC, while many facilities that GWI utilise are taxable.Green said GWI could either pay a rental fee, or propose to purchase the buildings. However, a meeting was held with GWI’s management who were optimistic about a resolution in the matter that should be satisfactory to both sides. Legal representative for both sides have reportedly begun discussions.Green disclosed that a meeting was held yesterday with the M&CC and the Local Government Minister Kellawan Lall and his staff, and the issue of street lighting was discussed, since it constitutes $9M of the $13M that is the bill for each month. However,Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys, according to the Mayor, GPL has whimsically severed power to the council many times for last year and this year,Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic, however, the issue is now within the domain of the courts.He stated under their present circumstances,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, the council will be unable to pay for street lighting, although it may appear irresponsible, because crime is prevalent. However, a suggestion was made to the Minister of Local Government to host a meeting with Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, since he also is designated with the responsibility of the electricity sector.He explained that at the meeting the M&CC delegation will highlight the fundamental issues that affect the council while raising the request that was made years ago with GPL “that we thought they agreed to.”Mayor Green related that since GPL runs a business, and a part of that business is planting poles and the parapet belongs to the M&CC, a token fee should be paid for each pole planted on the parapets.“When the idea was put forward eight years ago as a proposal, the higher authority felt that this was not a good business proposal,Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale,” Green reflected.He said both unions through their respective leaders signed a joint letter that was dispatched to the President on 28 April 2010, seeking the Head of State’s intervention in specific areas which will allow the council to raise the threshold.The Mayor noted an appeal was made in the letter to disentangle the cumbersome judicial system which makes it difficult for the M&CC to prosecute delinquent tax payers.He stressed that something is amiss at the registry, and the central government agencies have been disposing of properties,Cheap MLB Jerseys Authentic, but the compliance requirement is not being honoured in the breach. “There are compliances being issued but no money is being paid to the M&CC.”Mayor Green noted that the valuation divisions’ law is required to be reviewed every three years, as all the new buildings that are being constructed can be revalued,Wholesale Jerseys, since the cash strapped M&CC will be the beneficiary of the new structures.The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is cash strapped to pay wages to staff on time, he described the situation as depressing. However, the council is, he stressed, attempting to alleviate the situation. |
