Talisay council shelves P249M budget approval

The Talisay City council yesterday deferred the approval of the city's P249 million proposed annual budget for 2006 pending review of all the councilors over the matter.

Opposition councilor Alan Bucao succeeded in moving for the deferment arguing that the councilors must study the proposed budget thoroughly, considering its over P24 million increase over this year's P225 million allocation.

Councilor Arturo Bas, the chairman of the council committee on budget and finance, who authored the measure, tried but failed to persuade the council that the approval of the proposed budget was urgent.

His colleagues agreed with Bucao's contention that the budget should strictly pass scrutiny before being deliberated on the floor.

"I know there are a lot to be scrutinized in this budget. It is a must to study this first," Bucao said, adding that items intended for various assistance programs, and purchases of lots and equipment, among others, should be examined thoroughly.

The biggest chunk of the proposed measure, amounting to P35.46 million, will go to the salaries of city officials and employees.

Power consumption bills for the City Hall, plaza and public markets have been allocated with P19.5 million, while another P11.2 million will go to economic services such as the construction, maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges, water and sewerage system, and repair of public buildings.

About P8 million was also set aside for solid waste management program, and another P8 million was allocated for the purchase of lots for squatters' resettlement.

Maintenance and operating expenses is set to get a budget of P6.6 million while the city social welfare and development will have P4 million. Over P5.3 million has been earmarked for the Mayor's Office, while over P6.96 million has been set for the city council.

Among departments, under the Mayor's Office, the city veterinary office will have a share of P884,970.36, and the legal department will have P1.1 million.

The local calamity fund will have P11.59 million representing five percent of the revenues from regular sources, for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and other works or services, in times of calamities during the budget year. - Garry B. Lao