Anyang Mayor Choi Dae-ho stated on August 31 that the city has prioritized public welfare and safety in its supplementary budget proposal despite challenging financial conditions.
Mayor Choi announced that the proposed third supplementary budget amounts to 2.905 trillion won, focusing on projects directly related to citizens' lives, such as responding to high oil prices, strengthening the social safety net, and enhancing urban safety.
He emphasized, "Although our finances are tight, we prioritized essential projects to minimize the impact of high oil prices and ensure that citizens can live in a safe and pleasant city," reiterating the importance of efficient financial management centered on projects that have a tangible impact on residents.
This third supplementary budget represents an increase of 843 billion won (4.20%) compared to the second supplementary budget of 2.062 trillion won.
The general account has increased by 614 billion won (3.45%) to 1.8405 trillion won, while the special account has risen by 229 billion won (8.2%) to 250 billion won.
To secure additional funding, Mayor Choi carefully estimated revenues, incorporating an expected additional collection of 5 billion won in local taxes and 7.3 billion won in non-tax revenues for the second half of the year.
At the same time, the city has restructured expenditures by adjusting personnel operation costs, such as employee travel expenses, and reducing project budget surpluses.
The secured funds are set to be primarily allocated to stabilize citizens' lives and support public welfare.
In response to high oil prices, the budget includes allocations of 8.19 billion won for the THE Gyeonggi Pass, 8.1 billion won for fuel subsidies, 2.28 billion won for compensating losses from transfer discounts in the metropolitan area, and 820 million won for electric vehicle distribution.
In the welfare sector, the budget reflects 3.98 billion won for housing benefits under the basic living security program, 3.59 billion won for establishing a specialized dementia care facility, and 2.28 billion won for maternal and newborn health management support.
Additionally, to stimulate the local economy, 500 million won will be allocated for local currency issuance support and 660 million won for nurturing promising alleyway commercial districts.
This supplementary budget focuses on reallocating unnecessary expenditures to concentrate resources on public welfare, safety, and social support amid difficult financial conditions.
Citizens have positively evaluated the budget's focus on projects aimed at reducing the burden of high oil prices and inflation while enhancing safety. However, they stress the importance of prompt and transparent execution to ensure that the allocated budget translates into real improvements in their lives.
One resident welcomed the allocation of funds for safety projects such as roads, child protection zones, and bridges, stating, "I hope the budget is used to meticulously manage facilities that citizens use daily rather than for showy projects." Another resident expressed hope that support would be expanded not only for the elderly and low-income families but also for families with newborns and children, ensuring that necessary benefits reach those in need.
Mayor Choi indicated that he would strive for the swift execution of the supplementary budget once it is finalized to enhance citizen welfare.
Meanwhile, Mayor Choi plans to submit the supplementary budget proposal for review and approval at the 314th temporary session of the city council, scheduled from September 7 to 18.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.