Residents are calling on Ammanford Town Council to hold a public consultation following their decision to increase the town precept.
A special meeting was held on January 27 to discuss the annual budget and forthcoming projects for the town.
A £20,000 events budget and the appointment of a part time development officer costing £15,000 have been added to the precept which was originally set at £90,674 for 2017/2018, but now stands at £125,674.
The council tax levy for the year for band D properties is £65.82, compared with £45.50 for the current year – an increase of 44.7 per cent.
A majority of the council agreed on the decision apart from three councillors.
Responding on his decision to vote against the increase, county councillor Deian Harries said: “The only reason I voted against the considerable rise in the town precept was due to the increased pressure on people’s finances.
“We would all like to see improvements to the town with improved facilities and events, but we have to remember the money is coming out of the pockets of local residents.”
Mayor Alex Smith added: “It is important to remember that the precept is the only tax money which will be spent on Ammanford.”
Following the announcement residents are hoping they get a chance to have their say.
Heddwyn Morgan, of Ammanford, said: “I think a public meeting is in order for residents to have our say on the increase of the precept.
“There are a lot of people who cannot email so I believe a face-to-face consultation should be organised.”
Another resident added: “How can the public attend council meetings when the website hasn’t been updated for around six months.
“What is being proposed by the town council should be put into the public domain so residents can voice their opinion.
“The precept increase is before the asset transfer in which councillors will have to increase the precept further in the near future.”
Article originally published by South Wales Guardian
