The rate levied on commercial premises in Co Monaghan in 2023 will increase by five per cent.
The decision was made by majority vote at Monday's Budget meeting of Monaghan County Council.
The vote will approve the raising of a 38 million euro loan to fund the construction of a new local authority headquarters and office building.
While the proposal itself sparked much debate in the chamber, Cllr Brian McKenna said he doesn't believe the five per cent increase will lead to the closure of any businesses in the county and that it is something which had to be done:
In a response issued to Northern Sound, Cllr Seamus Treanor said, "The financial implication for this council for years to come are to say the very least frightening and what I can’t understand is why we have not contacted the people who are going to pick up the bill for this massive project, the ratepayers.
"If we are closing a street in any town in Co Monaghan or a side road in a rural area, a public notice placed in the local media. If someone objects, we take on board the problem and try to facilitate the objectors.
"I am calling that this civic office project to be put on a very long finger it is a luxury we cannot afford.
"Every cent we get from the ratepayers and the block grant is spent and there is no surplus.
"Monaghan County Council does an excellent job as it is with the limited funds it receives. If we have to pay the bank €2 million plus each year, it is inevitable that other civic projects and services will suffer as a result."
