May 2024 Minutes Annual Parish Meeting

SPRIDLINGTON PARISH 

Minutes of the annual parish meeting held on Tuesday, 14th May 2024 at 6.30pm in the Village Hall.

Present: M.Marris (Chairman); D. Cox; K. Morton.

In attendance: the Clerk.

Apologies: None. 
 
To approve the Minutes of the last meeting held on 16th May 2023: The minutes were signed as a true record.

Chairman's report: The Parish Council has had a quiet year. Still no new councillors have been found for co-option resulting in the responsibility falling on just three members. We are very thankful for our clerk, Helen’s, contribution and I personally would like to thank Cllrs Cox and Morton for their efforts during the year and in particular for updating and reviewing standing orders and the many risk assessments we are obliged to carry out.

Responsible Financial Officer's Report: During the last financial year ending 31st March 2024 we saw the council spend considerably less money but at the same time receive less income. Our only significant expense was the purchase of a defibrillator along with a service agreement package. The unit is located on the east side wall of the Village Hall and has been used once already, cementing our decision to commit this expense.

Unlike in the previous financial year we spent nothing on tree pruning or street furniture. We spent very little on training and donated nothing towards the Signpost magazine or Village Hall. Looking at the accounts our income for the period was £5228.26 compared with £6944.78 the previous year. As for expenditure, this totalled £4332.46 compared with a total of £7359.62.

One area I feel we may need to commit funds to is street cleaning. Much of the issue with excess water in the village is linked to insufficient cleaning passes from West Lindsey and a lack of maintenance of the drains. If the only way forward involves paying for extra passes than I feel we should be budgeting funds for extra service.

All in all, we are in a sound financial situation. We finish the year with a surplus of £895.80. This includes a small amount of interest, £33.10, on our savings account. Combining our two accounts our reserve balance as of 31st March 2024 is £11,324.89  

Open meeting: No other parishioners being present no discussion took place. 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 6.50pm.