The San Pedro Town Council presented its final report of their 3-year term last Monday, January 30, at the Lions Den, in which were present Mayoress Elsa Paz, Area Representative Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., Deputy Mayor Severo Guerrero, and councilors Nesto Gomez, Justiniano Guerrero, Joe Elijio, and Juan Alamilla. Elected to office thirty-three months ago, Mayoress Paz said in her opening remarks that the Council remained committed to the concept of accountability and transparency.
In her financial report, Mayoress Paz said that there was a 28% increase in revenue collected from last year’s budgeted revenue. Actual revenue collected amounted to $2,675,488.19 an increase of over half a million dollars. The Council’s cash balance on April 1, 2005 was $224,468.13, while outstanding bills totaled $86,755.32 with 40% of this represented by the bill for the rehabilitation of Pelican and Ambergris Street left from the previous administration and the balance being for road repairs and maintenance.
Checking account balances at the Belize Bank and Atlantic Bank were a cumulative of $211,170.03, while maintaining a balance of $1,747.35 at the Government Treasury. The Council continues to meet its obligations with Caribbean Coves Limited of $13,185.00 per year for 500 acres of land. And to date, the Council continues to receive the sum of $69,000 in yearly subvention from Central Government, which only represents 2.5% of actual revenue collected by the Council.
Mayoress Paz reported that one of the biggest accomplishments of the Council during her term in office was the Pescador Drive Street Rehabilitation Project. Other accomplishments mentioned included the facelift for Central Park, the placing of garbage bins around town, construction of the Boca del Rio bridge, assistance to island schools, marketing Ambergris Caye as the number one tourist destination in Belize, road access through construction of a southern road, support of sporting activities, charitable donations such as to the San Pedro AIDS Commission, and constant road repairs for damages caused by inclement weather and traffic.
“There is still much work to be done and many projects that require continuation,” stated Mayoress Paz. “We extend our most heartfelt gratitude to all you residents who supported us and were willing to join hands for the betterment of San Pedro. Thanks to all those government departments that have supported us, particularly the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Works.”
Photo Caption:
Councilors give their end of year report
