MAYORS' ASSOCIATION SAYS THEY WANT MORE AUTONOMY

August 17, 2006

The Belize Mayor’s Association met with Prime Minister Musa in Belize City yesterday. The meeting was held to discuss the financial situation of all the councils and to request government’s financial assistance. Belize Mayor’s Association President Elsa Paz says the councils want to be given more autonomy
 
Elsa Paz: Belize Mayor’s Association President
“The reason is to continue the issue of the over head tax contribution to Belize City Council to assist with the council’s expenses the allocation of a portion of the environmental tax to local authorities which is Solid Waste Management expenses. Also to complete the evolution of inter town inter city management to all councils also the duty free fuel for vehicles used and registered to the council. Reviewing revenues lost from entertainment tax review subvention formulas to create allocation and then the possible revenue sharing of agreement between the Port Authority of Belize and the Belize City Council. Central Government can assist by way of appropriate legislation and we also had other matters on other things to explore.”

We asked Paz if agreements were made during the meeting.

Elsa Paz: Belize Mayor’s Association President
“The Government or the Prime Minister we did not get any where because he mentioned to us that he cannot assist in anyway. The only way he could have assist us is to have the Mayors from all the municipalities or the Belize Mayors Association to agree on implementing the one percent environmental tax and that one percent will be distributed to the municipalities that was the only option that we had but with finance assistance it was negative.”

Paz says the association will meet again to decide what steps can be taken solve the problems of the municipalities. A release from the Government of Belize says that in order for consideration of the proposals a comprehensive study and analysis would have to be undertaken. The study and analysis would determine to manage the municipality, current and potential revenues and the level of assistance necessary to provide the required services.

|

|