The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Francis Sarpong chaired the meeting and thanked officers for their hard work in mobilizing revenue for the Assembly which helps in executing assembly projects. He also advised that banking of payments should be done on time to prevent any adverse setbacks.

The revenue officer introduced the speaker (budget officer). He conducted an Orientation for staff on New Fee-Fixing resolution for 2023. The speaker mentioned that the institution to collect the property rate is still under discussion until government brings its resolution. He said there is going to be a workshop for revenue officers to guide them in their work to become more efficient.

The budget officer declared that there is an increase in fee-fixing for 2023 and awareness is ongoing. He said Chiefs, traditional leaders and various stakeholders has been met for the resolution discussions. He stated that since 2019 there has not been an increment even though increments are required for every year. He said now, it has become very necessary to effect increments of fees due to the current economic crisis and the high cost of living.

A suggestion was raised for the introduction of a new initiative that requires creation of yearly calendar capturing executed projects. He mentioned that Separate payment of temporal permit/operational fees has caused confusion between collector and rate payers and it has become necessary for separate payments. This is due to the fact that the receipts/JCR are the same.

The revenue officer briefed on the areas collected by zonal council which are burial, carpenters, masons, drinking spot, stone millers, night market etc. while the Assemble collects the bank, filling station, private schools, hotels etc.

Revenue officer mentioned that there will be the introduction of performance sheet to monitor the input and outputs of workers.

Concerns:
Public preaching should be regulated to guide their preaching hours since they disturbs businesses which reduces market targets. A staff raised a concern that management should Re-invite a meeting with yam sellers, plantain sellers, gari, corn dough etc. to create awareness of adjustment of fees. A concern that churches/mosque should be used as media for reminding payers of fees. He said going forward, inclusion of scrap trucks loading to fee fixing will be considered.