No.53 Initial Budget for Fiscal Year 2016

(Inagi Newsletter published on April 15, 2016)

The initial budget for the new fiscal year was approved at the first Regular Session of the City Council, so we would like to inform you of the summary.
The scale of the General Fund Budget for fiscal year 2016 is 34.7 billion yen, which is an increase of 1.016 billion yen, or 3.0%, compared to the previous year.
In this budget formulation, we aimed to maintain sound finances while addressing the administrative projects of the Fourth Long-Term Comprehensive Plan, promoting the achievement of the goals set forth in the Inagi City Community, People, and Business Revitalization Comprehensive Strategy, continuing support for the disaster-stricken areas of the Great East Japan Earthquake, advancing disaster prevention and mitigation within the city, and fundamentally focusing on securing new financial resources and reducing expenses through creativity and ingenuity.
In terms of revenue, Municipal Tax revenue increased by 2.5%, and local allocation tax increased by 11.1%, resulting in a steady growth of 2.9% in total general revenue.
In terms of expenditures, costs related to welfare and education were the focus, with a 5.4% increase in social welfare expenses, exceeding 40% of the composition, and a 9.2% increase in education expenses.
In this budget formulation, particular emphasis was placed on measures for the establishment of a community-based integrated care system, the development of educational facilities, and the construction of fire branch offices as disaster prevention bases.
Regarding reconstruction support, we will continue to dispatch staff to Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and engage in volunteer activities in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture this fiscal year.
Regarding parenting support, we will implement the introduction of an electronic version of the maternal and child health handbook service, the expansion of the number of children accepted by Licensed Childcare Centers and home welfare workers, the expansion of community activity projects at Licensed Childcare Centers, and the establishment of the After-School Children's Program Management Committee.
Regarding support for Older Adults, we will implement the formulation of the 7th Long-Term Care Insurance business plan, subsidies for health checkup fees for Late-Stage Elderly Medical Care, and subsidies for the use of health promotion facilities.
Regarding tourism promotion and the creation of vibrancy, the Inagi Base Pair Terrace has been established under the elevated section of Inagi-Naganuma Station. The operation of this facility has been entrusted to the Commerce and Industry Association as the designated manager, while the operation of the Inagi Nagamine Sports Plaza has been entrusted to the Tokyo Verdy Group as the designated manager. We will also enhance the development of Inagi Wi-Fi and the exchange projects with our Sister Cities and Friendship Cities, including Ozora Town, Soma City, and Nozawa Onsen Village.

The main construction projects for this year include the new construction of the After-School Childcare Program at Inagi Dai 2 Elementary School, the new construction of the Fire Branch Office, large-scale renovations of the school building at Inagi Dai 2 Elementary School, direct water supply construction at Nagamine Elementary School, Wakabadai Elementary School, and Inagi Dai 6 Junior High School, large-scale renovations of the school building at Inagi Dai 1 Junior High School, ceiling renovation work at Inagi Dai 5 Junior High School, and large-scale renovations of the Central Community Center hall, among others. The projects listed here alone amount to approximately 2.48 billion yen, making it a large-scale undertaking.
The city's public facilities are being renovated sequentially based on the Long-Term Comprehensive Plan. We apologize for any inconvenience during the renovation periods, but please understand that we determine the priority based on a comprehensive assessment of factors such as the year of construction, degree of deterioration, and citizen requests.
Regarding the i-bus, we will continue to work on discussions at the regional public transportation conference and will strive towards the start of operations for the second phase revised routes in April 2017.
This year, we will continue to listen to your opinions regarding various issues of City Administration and strive towards solutions, so thank you for your cooperation.