Fiscal Year 2025 Policy Guidelines

On the occasion of the first Regular Session of the City Council in the 7th year of Reiwa (2025), I would like to express the policy of the administration and request the understanding and cooperation of the City Council and all citizens.
Note: There may be differences from the manuscript due to oral presentation.

Preamble

Looking back at last year's international situation, elections were held across a wide range from developed countries to emerging nations, making it a year globally referred to as the "Election Year." The results were tough for the incumbent and ruling parties, with parties in countries like India and France losing seats, and a change of government occurring in the United Kingdom and the United States. The fact that a U.S. president was re-elected after leaving office is only the second occurrence in U.S. history, and the world is paying attention to how to address the impact of the "America First" policy promoted by the Trump administration on the economy and foreign affairs.

In our country, Prime Minister Ishiba, shortly after taking office, called for a general election, but due to issues related to "politics and money," the ruling party suffered a major defeat, resulting in a difficult governance by a minority ruling party.

The government has stated in the "Economic Outlook and Basic Attitude for Economic and Fiscal Management for Fiscal Year 7 of Reiwa" that it will continue to prioritize the increase of wages and income for all generations, both current and future, as the most important issue. It aims to achieve an economy where wage increases consistently outpace price increases, ensuring a transition to a "growth-oriented economy driven by wage increases and investment."

The draft General Fund Budget for the 7th year of Reiwa in our country has been approved by the Cabinet at a record scale of 115 trillion 5.415 billion yen, an increase of 2.6% compared to the previous year, as a budget to transition to a growth-oriented economy. This includes the full implementation of child and Parenting support based on the Child Future Strategy, a doubling of the Regional Revitalization Grant, the establishment of the "Disaster Prevention Agency," and the strengthening of systems for thorough pre-disaster measures.

The budget deliberations, faced with a minority ruling party for the first time in 31 years, are struggling, and discussions in the National Assembly are still ongoing.

Next, regarding the initial budget of Tokyo, the General Fund Budget has increased by 8.3% compared to the previous year, reaching 9.158 trillion yen, marking the largest amount for four consecutive years. As for metropolitan taxes, it is expected to be 6.9296 trillion yen, an increase of 8.5% compared to the previous year, which is also projected to be the highest amount ever, similar to national tax revenue. In terms of general expenditures related to policy expenses, it amounts to 6.8978 trillion yen, an increase of 8.3% compared to the previous year, due to efforts to provide seamless support for all people from children and youth to Older Adults, initiatives to strengthen international competitiveness, and enhancements to realize a resilient Tokyo that can respond to various threats.

Initiatives of Our City

While there are some positive signs in revenue, it is still susceptible to global conditions, economic trends, and price fluctuations. On the expenditure side, factors such as rising resource and raw material prices, as well as labor costs, are expected to significantly impact various project costs. In our city, we have consistently promoted planned projects and achieved results even in a challenging financial environment by optimizing staff allocation and improving operations. However, we need to work even harder to secure specific financial resources and respond accurately to changes in social conditions and the diversifying needs of our citizens.

In the fiscal year 2025, it is essential to return to the fundamentals and verify the challenges and achievements of the policies we have been working on, as well as the effectiveness and appropriateness of the projects. In addition to effectively utilizing limited resources, including human resources, it is also required to improve citizen convenience by leveraging digital technologies and to further enhance operational efficiency.

Furthermore, while steadily promoting the Fifth Long-Term Comprehensive Plan of Inagi City, which marks its fifth year, we must work together to lay the foundation for passing the baton to the latter five years starting from the 8th year of the Reiwa era.

In light of this, as we prepare the budget for the fiscal year 2025, we have approached it based on the following principles.

First, while maintaining a sound financial situation looking towards the future, we will promote the initiatives of various measures set forth in the basic plan towards the realization of the future city image outlined in the Fifth Long-Term Comprehensive Plan of Inagi City, and strive for sustainable administrative and financial management.

Secondly, accurately grasp the trends of price increases and changes in social conditions, and respond flexibly to the challenges posed by diversifying needs.

Thirdly, in order to protect citizens from the threats of the increasing risk of a capital region earthquake directly beneath the city, the Nankai Trough mega earthquake, and the frequent heavy rain disasters occurring in various areas, prioritizing safety and security, we will continue to systematically work on disaster prevention and mitigation measures.

Based on the above three points, the budget proposal for the fiscal year 2025 of this city has a General Fund of 46.05 billion yen, which is an increase of 3.973 billion yen, or 9.4% compared to the initial budget amount of the previous year.

Revenue consists of Municipal Tax, which forms the core of self-financing resources, amounting to 17.49 billion yen, an increase of 1.006 billion yen or 6.4% compared to the initial budget of the previous year. The increase in Individual Municipal Resident Tax is due to the rise in the number of taxpayers resulting from population growth and the end of fixed-rate tax reductions. For Property Tax, the increase in land is attributed to the disposal of reserved land within the Land Readjustment Project and the release of production green spaces, while the increase in buildings is expected from the rise in new houses and the expiration of tax reductions for newly built houses.

In addition, the national treasury expenditure is expected to increase by 1.74821 billion yen due to the increase in Child Allowance burden, and the metropolitan expenditure is expected to increase by 1.17665 billion yen due to the increase in subsidies for reducing the burden of School Lunch costs in Tokyo public schools.

In addition, regarding municipal bonds, we anticipate an increase of 74.1 million yen due to the Inagi Dai 3 Elementary School building replacement project bonds, Inagi Dai 2 Elementary School building expansion project bonds, and the junior high school special classroom air conditioning installation project bonds. Other municipal bonds will be utilized as a funding source for ordinary construction projects while considering future financial burdens.

Expenditures are calculated based on the "Budget Formulation Policy" instructed last August. The main items include,

Assistance expenses increased by 1.83583 billion yen due to increases in Child Allowance, private Childcare Center operation委託 fee, disability care benefits, and benefits for children with disabilities attending facilities.

The ordinary construction project expenses have increased by 1.1523 billion yen due to the reconstruction of the Inagi Dai 3 Elementary School building, the expansion of the Inagi Dai 2 Elementary School building, the installation of air conditioning in special classrooms at junior high schools, and improvements to parks within the city.

The property cost increased by 895.41 million yen due to system standardization-related expenses and an increase in vaccination outsourcing fees.

Subsidies, including the Inagi City School Lunch Parent or Guardian Burden Subsidy, the Tama River Sanitation Association Waste Disposal Burden Fee, and the increase in the Child Universal Access Program Pre-Project Subsidy, amount to an increase of 675.17 million yen.

Personnel expenses reflect salary and compensation revisions, with an increase of 507.48 million yen.

Due to the completion of the redemption of the temporary financial measures bonds issued in fiscal year 2004, the bond expenses have been reduced by 140.61 million yen.

The transfer amount has been reduced by 976.46 million yen due to reductions in the Land Readjustment Project Special Account transfer and the National Health Insurance Program Special Account transfer.

Below, I will explain the characteristics of the fiscal year 2025 budget in accordance with the framework of the Long-Term Comprehensive Plan's policies.

Content of the Policy

1. Parenting, Education, Culture - A town where everyone can shine through growth and learning - Inagi

Regarding the enhancement of the environment for growth and development, as a preliminary project for the universal preschool attendance system, we will regularly care for children who have not yet entered preschool at kindergartens, regardless of whether their parents or guardians are employed, in order to promote the healthy growth of children and to work towards the smooth implementation of the universal preschool attendance system starting in the 8th year of Reiwa.

Regarding the establishment of local Parenting consultation agencies, we will set up three locations within the city as institutions where Parenting households can easily seek advice, aiming to enhance the support system for Parenting households.

Regarding the initiatives for the healthy development of children after school, we will proceed with preparations for the privatization of the Children's Center at the Second Cultural Center and the After-School Childcare Program at the Second Cultural Center, as well as the privatization of the After-School Childcare Programs at Inagi Dai 4 Elementary School and Inagi Dai 6 Elementary School in the fiscal year 8 of Reiwa.

In addition, as a measure to address the increasing demand for the After-School Childcare Program, we will carry out construction work for the (tentative name) Inagi Dai 3 Elementary School After-School Childcare Program, flexibly responding to the needs of users.

Regarding the enhancement of consultation and support systems for raising and nurturing, we will support the independence of Single-Parent Families by subsidizing a portion of the costs necessary for procedures related to securing child support as part of the child support securing support project.

Regarding support benefits for pregnant women, we provide 50,000 yen each for pregnancy and childbirth to mothers, aiming to reduce the financial burden associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing.

In addition, we will expand the postpartum care program by establishing a new day-use option at Inagi City Hospital, in addition to the existing overnight option, to enhance the support system for安心して育児ができる.

Regarding the enhancement of the content of compulsory education, we will enrich English education by promoting educational exchanges with foreign municipalities, increasing the number of ALTs and expanding their hours, and implementing one-on-one online English conversation sessions between junior high school students and instructors, thereby enhancing opportunities for children to communicate in English.

Regarding the enhancement of the educational environment, we will carry out the planned provision of one device per person, in conjunction with the update of the tablet devices introduced in fiscal year 2020, towards the realization of the second phase of the national GIGA School initiative.

Regarding the improvement of school facilities and equipment, we will carry out the expansion of the school building at Inagi Dai 2 Elementary School, the reconstruction of the school building at Inagi Dai 3 Elementary School, and the waterproof renovation of the roof of the gymnasium at Inagi Dai 5 Junior High School to respond to the increase in the number of students and aging facilities.

Next, in order to ensure a safe and comfortable educational environment, we will carry out construction to install air conditioning equipment in the art room and home economics room of Inagi Dai 2 Elementary School, as well as in the special classrooms such as the technology room and home economics room of all junior high schools that do not have air conditioning installed.

In addition, we will be carrying out construction to install a barrier-free toilet in the gymnasium of Koyodai Elementary School, which is designated as an evacuation shelter during disasters.

Regarding the enhancement of School Lunch, we will carry out planting work as part of the greening of the land use construction for the first cooking facility of the School Lunch Joint Cooking Facility Phase 2.

In addition, we will implement the update of the steam convection oven to address the aging of the kitchen equipment at the second cooking facility of the School Lunch Joint Cooking Facility.

Regarding the promotion of Lifelong Learning, we will carry out renovation work due to the deterioration over time, which has led to a decline in the functionality of the air conditioning system on the east side of the 4th floor of the Central Cultural Center.

2. Health, Medical Care, and Welfare - A Town Where Everyone Can Live Healthy in the Community - Inagi

Regarding the promotion of health creation, in order to connect to the early detection and early treatment of cancer, we will work towards reviewing the implementation methods of stomach cancer and lung cancer screenings starting from the 8th year of Reiwa, in cooperation with the Inagi City Medical Association, and will advance specific discussions.

In order to enhance the regional medical system, we will revise the Inagi City Medical Plan over a two-year period in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, taking into account further changes in the population structure due to the progress of declining birthrates and an aging population.

Regarding the development of community welfare, we will renovate the surplus classroom of Wakabadai Elementary School to establish the Wakabadai Community Center operated by the Inagi City Social Welfare Council, and we will subsidize part of the operating costs.

We will support the establishment of new community-based services, such as regular patrol and on-demand home care nursing facilities, to enhance Senior Welfare.

Furthermore, in order to promote the retention of caregiving personnel and to enhance the work motivation and morale of caregiving staff, we will implement long service awards for caregiving staff working at Long-Term Care Insurance service providers in the city.

In addition, we will conduct a needs survey for long-term care prevention and daily living areas as part of the formulation of the Inagi City Community-Based Care Plan (Inagi City Senior Welfare Plan (5th Edition) and Inagi City Long-Term Care Insurance Business Plan (10th Term)), which has a planning period of three years starting from fiscal year 2029.

Regarding the promotion of public health insurance and pension systems, we will add the identification and support of individuals with unknown health conditions to the integrated implementation of health projects for older adults and long-term care prevention, aiming to improve the quality of life (QOL) for the target individuals and their families.

3. Environment, Economy, and Tourism - A vibrant town surrounded by water and greenery - Inagi

Regarding the creation of a recycling-oriented society, in order to improve the convenience for citizens, we will introduce online payment through a QR code in addition to the existing cash payment for the waste disposal fees incurred when citizens directly bring bulky waste, etc. to the Tama River Clean Center.

Regarding the enhancement of the charm of water, greenery, and parks, we will be carrying out renovation and improvement work to newly open Yoshikata Park as an inclusive park.

(Tentative name) Regarding the development of Negataniyato Park, we will carry out landscaping and other improvements to create a vibrant park suitable as an entrance to TOKYO GIANTS TOWN.

Regarding the development of the park under the JR Nambu Line and the neighborhood park in the Minamiyama area, we will carry out the development based on the community's requests to create a place for relaxation and interaction.

In addition, to improve the convenience for users of the park parking lot, we will update the equipment at the city park parking lot and implement cashless payment options.

In promoting sustainable urban agriculture, we will provide subsidies to farmers who have introduced yellow LEDs developed to reduce damage from the pear's significant pest, the pear borer, thereby contributing to pest damage control and reducing environmental impact.

Regarding the promotion of sports and recreational activities, we will carry out the conversion of the night lighting to LED at the Shiroyama Park tennis courts, "Wakabadai Koen" tennis courts, and the "Wakabadai Koen" multipurpose plaza to ensure they can be used safely and comfortably, while also considering the environment.

Regarding the promotion of community development through the creation of vibrancy in tourism, with the opening of the Giants Town Stadium, we aim to create vibrancy by establishing a sign with the words "TOKYO GIANTS TOWN" at the (tentative name) Negatani Park, which will serve as the point of contact, hoping for many visitors.

In addition, as a collaborative project with surrounding Neighborhood Associations that have agreements with the Yomiuri Giants, we will utilize the Tama and Island Region Wide Area Collaboration Activity Subsidy to provide opportunities to enjoy sports centered around baseball at Giants Town Stadium, aiming to enhance the recognition of each city as the home town of the Yomiuri Giants.

The second Inagi City Tourism Basic Plan, which will conclude at the end of fiscal year 2025, will be followed by the formulation of the third Inagi City Tourism Basic Plan to further promote tourism initiatives.

In order to further promote "Inagi, the Bicycle Town," we will implement a cycling tourism promotion project utilizing the Tama and Islands Regional Wide Area Collaboration Activity Subsidy through a collaborative council of the eight related cities designated as the GOOD CYCLE JAPAN promotion model route.

4. Urban Infrastructure Development, Firefighting, Crime Prevention - A town where everyone can live safely and comfortably, Inagi

Regarding the development of urban areas, we will promote the Land Readjustment Project to create a good living environment and improve Public Facilities.

For the four districts implemented by the city, we will steadily promote projects based on the Fifth Long-Term Comprehensive Plan of Inagi City.

Regarding the Minamiyama Eastern District, which is being developed by the association, we will continue to provide guidance to the association to ensure steady progress based on the project plan.

Regarding the improvement of the road environment, we will continue to request the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to promote the development of the Minami-Tama Ridge Main Line and Tsurukawa Street to facilitate intercity transportation.

In addition, regarding the section of the Yomiuri Land Line entrusted by Tokyo, from the Inagi City Fire Brigade First Division station to the boundary of the Minamiyama Land Readjustment Project area, we will continue to carry out land acquisition and property relocation compensation, as well as implement road improvement works. Furthermore, for the section along the prefectural border, we will also carry out land acquisition and property relocation compensation, along with detailed road design.

Next, regarding the section of Tama City Planning Road No. 7-5-3, from Kawasaki Street to Tsurukawa Street, we will continue to carry out land acquisition and property relocation compensation, as well as implement road construction and other related works.

Next, regarding the improvement of roads that are closely related to daily life, in cooperation with Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the city will carry out road improvement work on City Road No. 537, which connects to Tsurukawa Street, in line with the progress of the improvement of the Momura section of Tsurukawa Street.

Next, regarding the section from the new Kisaragi Bridge to Nakahashi, which is positioned in the Sakahama West District Plan, we will continue to implement land acquisition and property relocation compensation to develop the side road in accordance with Tokyo's Misawa River improvement plan.

In addition, we will continue to promote improvements aimed at eliminating narrow roads.

Regarding the enhancement of road maintenance management, we will carry out repair work on the auxiliary city road No. 2 overpass based on the long-life repair plan for bridges and other structures.

Regarding the improvement of the transportation environment (mobility), we will review the existing layout of the Inagi Station South Exit Square and the Keio Yomiuri Land Station South Exit Square to enhance the safety and convenience for station users and citizens. In addition to this, we will expand the bus boarding area as part of urban infrastructure development, and continue with the improvement work at the Inagi Station South Exit Square and the detailed design of the Keio Yomiuri Land Station South Exit Square to ensure safe passage for buses, taxis, and general vehicles.

In addition, regarding the iBus project, taking into account the current situation surrounding bus operators, we will utilize the results of the current iBus route usage survey conducted in fiscal year 6, and in forums such as the "Inagi City Regional Public Transportation Council," we will consider a review of the city's bus public transportation routes, including the introduction of new transportation methods.

Regarding the improvement of sanitary environments, we will explore the possibilities of public-private partnerships for maintenance management methods to ensure the sustainable functionality of sewerage facilities.

Regarding the promotion of comprehensive flood control measures, we will strive to improve flood control and safety through the maintenance of waterways and ordinary rivers due to the bank improvement work in Sugahori, as well as the proper maintenance of the drainage facility at Oshitatebori through the repair of the storage battery in the direct current power panel.

In addition, we will carry out the development of public sewerage rainwater facilities in line with the progress of the Minamiyama East Land Readjustment Project, as well as the development of rainwater trunk lines in the downstream area to prevent flooding damage, and we will aim to expand the rainwater drainage development area. Furthermore, we will continue to consider the development of rainwater trunk lines in line with the progress of the Land Readjustment Project around Yanokuchi Station.

Regarding the enhancement of firefighting mobility, in order to conduct more effective firefighting activities, we will equip all-weather small unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and firefighting digital radio equipment, as well as update the emergency generator at the Inagi Fire Station, which serves as a disaster prevention base facility, and strive to strengthen firefighting mobility.

Regarding the promotion of local disaster prevention activities, we will introduce a disaster prevention app in conjunction with the update of the disaster prevention administrative radio control equipment, aiming to improve the transmission of disaster prevention information to citizens. We will also update the Inagi Disaster Prevention Map, which includes the latest information, and strive to enhance citizens' awareness of disaster prevention.

In addition, based on the damage situation from the Noto Peninsula earthquake that occurred in 2024, we will expand the subsidy system to promote seismic retrofitting of wooden houses and safety measures for block walls, and we will work on further improving disaster prevention capabilities.

In addition, we will purchase disaster prevention helmets to ensure safety during building inspections in the event of a disaster.

Regarding the promotion of crime prevention activities, we will work to prevent special fraud by providing support for switching to fixed telephones with crime prevention functions and distributing awareness envelopes to prevent support fraud, so that citizens can live safely and securely.

5. Citizens and Administration: A Sustainable City for Everyone - Inagi

Regarding the promotion of inter-city exchanges and multicultural exchanges, we will collaborate with the Inagi City Sister City Friendship Association to promote new inter-city exchanges with our Sister Cities and Friendship Cities, thereby encouraging citizen exchanges and creating opportunities for multicultural interactions.

Additionally, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our friendship city partnership with Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture and Nozawa Onsen Village in Nagano Prefecture, we will create commemorative items to ensure that our connection continues for many years to come.

Regarding the sharing of information between citizens and the administration, we will maintain an improved state even after the reconstruction of the city website, disseminating easy-to-understand administrative information, and promoting a reform in the work awareness of the staff responsible for disseminating administrative information by appointing digital personnel as fiscal year contract employees.

Regarding sound financial and administrative operations, we will conduct research and studies to solve various issues of the city as part of our efforts for sustainable financial and administrative management, and we will use this as evidence for concrete considerations towards commercialization.

In addition, as we will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the city system on November 1, 2023, we will create a commemorative logo to provide an opportunity for many citizens to deepen their affection for the city.

Regarding disaster response at the Inagi City Hall, we will carry out renovation work on the hall's substation facilities to expand the areas where business can continue during power outages.

Regarding the City Hall first, second, and third parking lots, we will introduce cashless payment in line with the renewal of the City Hall parking lot management contract.

In order to improve the development and placement of personnel responsible for enhancing administrative services, we will hold a joint recruitment briefing for the three cities of Hino City, Tama City, and Inagi City at Minami-Tama Station to effectively promote staff recruitment and curb the decrease in the number of applicants for the staff recruitment examination.

Regarding the improvement of administrative services utilizing information systems, in the update of the public facilities reservation system, in order to enhance user convenience and streamline facility management operations, following the transition to the new system for sports facilities in fiscal year 6, we will also transition to the new system for cultural facilities, Community Promotion Plaza, welfare facilities, school facilities, Community Centers, and SHIROYAMA EXPERIENCE STUDY INSTITUE, as well as newly add the Wakabadai Koen management building conference room to the public facilities reservation system.

Regarding the outsourcing of BPR promotion advisor services, we will utilize the expertise of private Business Operators with knowledge of digital technology to support the review of business workflows in the responsible departments and promote the onlineization of administrative procedures.

Above, I have stated the policy direction in accordance with the system of measures of the Fifth Long-Term Comprehensive Plan of Inagi City.

In the new fiscal year, with the understanding and cooperation of the members of the City Council and the citizens, we will promote the projects of the Fifth Long-Term Comprehensive Plan of Inagi City and advance sustainable administrative and financial operations.