Dear Editor,
The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is in great need of financial resources to conduct its daily operations. This is no new information that the council is divulging. The constant financial binds the organization finds itself in have been the norm for ages past. Today, yet another plea is being made by the council for ratepayers to honour their civic responsibility and pay their fair share of rates and taxes. An increase in revenue collection will ensure that the usually cash-strapped organization distances itself from such a classification and becomes more financially independent in the future.
It is basic knowledge that in order for any economic venture to be considered sustainable its revenues must at all times be more than its expenditure. Anything other than this ideal situation will eventually lead to the failure of any venture. And though it is not a widely accepted notion, the effective operations of City Hall must be handled as if this were a venture. This will only be achieved when the collection rates improve and new revenue streams come on board to cushion the current system.
The M&CC earns the greatest percentage of its income from rates and taxes coupled with market revenues. As such it is pertinent that these main sources are sustained and increased. Likewise, it is equally important to implement new revenue streams that will be used in conjunction with the current sources.
It is for these reasons that the council has recently been advocating for things such as container fees and parking meters, amongst a few other avenues being considered. Implementing both of these will augment the city’s ability to garner much needed revenues which in turn will be used for the development of the facilities and infrastructure in Georgetown.
It is often a travesty and embarrassment when the council finds itself with an empty purse. This results in the delay and sometimes the non-payment of staff and contractors, which in turn renders the council incapable of offering high quality services.
Revenue generation, moreover frequent revenue generation, is key to ensuring that the council moves from being cash strapped to providing frequent and quality services. Equally important is the fact that improved revenue generation will allow the council to attract and keep the human capital required for effective administration in the M&CC.
The recently implemented revenue generation ventures of City Hall should therefore not be viewed with a suspicious lens. In fact, these very same revenues will be channelled into other services including the maintenance of roadways, collection of garbage, the rehabilitation of markets and vending spaces.
And while the citizenry is being called upon to do their part in paying up their taxes, corporate Guyana and other donor agencies are also being asked to come on board and assist. As we continue to work diligently to advance the interest of the citizens of Georgetown and develop our Garden City, it is important to do so in a sustainable way. The first step towards this kind of development entails getting our finances in order.
The council has a number of development projects to be implemented, but before these can be executed financial support is needed. The council welcomes the opportunity to benefit from any national or international funds available to implement these projects.
Yours faithfully,
Royston King
Town Clerk
City of Georgetown
