The challenge is on for municipalities to increase revenue collection to ensure adequate, quality services are delivered to citizens timely. These services must be reflective in budgets prepared by municipalities following consultations with residents.The challenge was issued to Senior Officials of municipalities by Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker yesterday as he presented budget estimates for 2013.According to Whittaker, the theme for the budget, “The Budget as a medium for promoting effective and efficient Municipal Governance” is relevant,Cheap NFL Jerseys, since it is the tool for allocating resources.He added that the allocations must reflect input from Councillors, staff and residents within the various municipalities, because residents are the beneficiaries of the services. However, residents could only acquire these services through the payment of taxes. As such,China Jersyes Cheap, municipalities need to aggressively increase their revenue collection.The Minister stressed that the budgets presented must be balanced, and as such, the municipalities must not spend more than is available. He said that if there is a deficit the municipality must find means of getting rid of it – the Ministry would only offer a grant to assist with the financial woes of municipalities if the situation is critical.He added that following the approval of the budget by the Minister its implementation is pertinent. If the municipalities are unable to rake in revenues,Nike NFL Jerseys China, integral services cannot be delivered.According to Whittaker, officers need to develop measures to convince residents to pay their taxes. He opined that strong public awareness and proactive revenue collection departments would help in revenue collection.Whittaker noted that the budget should be utilized as a means of comparison, showing revenue and expenditure. He explained that financial statements alone mean nothing if comparisons of previous years’ performances are not provided. In addition, monitoring of projects executed under the budget must be a priority.Whittaker emphasized that if projects are not properly monitored, there is shoddy and sometimes incomplete work. Consequently, the populace’s confidence in the municipality is reduced significantly.The Minister also pointed out that there are financial irregularities at some municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils,Authentic Jerseys From China, affecting their abilities to execute services. He cited that some municipalities do not bank cash regularly, and encash personal cheques,Wholesale Jerseys China, which are breaches.Of the six municipalities – Georgetown, New Amsterdam,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, Rose Hall, Corriverton, Linden and Anna Regina – the Georgetown Municipality has the largest budget and the largest population. That Municipality has been experiencing financial woes for years and has had difficulties in providing quality services to residents.
