No.42 Initial Budget for Fiscal Year 2015

(Inagi Newsletter published on April 15, 2015)

The initial budget for the new fiscal year was approved at the Regular Session of the City Council held in March 2015, so we would like to inform you of the summary.
The scale of the General Fund Budget for fiscal year 2015 is 33.68 billion yen, which is a decrease of 2.564 billion yen, or 7.1%, compared to the previous year. In fiscal year 2014, approximately 2.349 billion yen was allocated for the construction of Minamiyama Elementary School, and about 443 million yen was budgeted for the reconstruction of the Second Nursery School and the new construction of a nursery school in the Minamiyama area. Excluding these one-time factors, it is effectively an increase budget of approximately 228 million yen.
The main construction projects for this year include the construction of Kameyama Shita Park (the site of the relocation and rebuilding of the Second Nursery School), the new construction of the Hirao Branch Office, the rebuilding of the Second Division Fire Station, the installation of emergency water supply wells, the new construction of the management building and disaster prevention warehouse at Inagi Nagamine Sports Plaza, the rebuilding of the old school building and ground improvement at Inagi Dai 1 Elementary School, large-scale renovations of the school building at Inagi Dai 2 Elementary School, renovations at Inagi Dai 7 Elementary School, direct water connection at Shiroyama Elementary School, large-scale renovations at Inagi Dai 1 Junior High School, and direct water connection at Inagi Dai 5 Junior High School. The total cost for the projects listed here amounts to approximately 1.67 billion yen, making it a large-scale undertaking.

The city is currently facing a situation where the new administrative demands due to population growth coincide with the timing for updating aging facilities. We continue to deal with a strained financial situation regarding revenues and expenditures, but we are working towards the reliable achievement of planned projects.
In terms of revenue, with a gradual economic recovery, Municipal Tax revenue increased by 0.5%, and due to the increase in the consumption tax rate, local consumption tax grants rose by 66.8%. However, local allocation tax decreased by 29.3%. Despite this, the total amount of general revenue, which forms the backbone of revenue, showed a solid increase of 2.7%.
In this budget formulation, what we particularly focused on is a project aimed at achieving the goals of Community Development and creating a safe and secure community, as Inagi City continues to make strides toward the next stage with a focus on residential stability and generational change.
Regarding reconstruction support, we will continue to dispatch staff to Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture this fiscal year.
In terms of disaster prevention measures, in addition to facility improvements, we will revise the regional disaster prevention plan and strengthen our response to wind and water disasters as well as volcanic disasters.
Regarding parenting support, we will implement the opening of the Child and Family Support Center Hongo Branch, discounts on parking fees at parks for parenting households, an increase in subsidies to reduce the burden on parents of children in private kindergartens, an increase in subsidies related to special support education projects at kindergartens, the privatization of the After-School Childcare Program and Children's Center along with service improvements, and the full implementation of the After-School Children's Program (expansion to all schools and grades).
Regarding support for Older Adults, we will implement the establishment of a community-based integrated care system, support projects for the use of the adult guardianship system, and strengthen the reduction of Long-Term Care Insurance premiums through public funds.
Moreover, securing medical resources is the most important element for a safe and secure life. We will begin formulating the Inagi City Medical Plan aimed at the planned attraction of clinics and medical facilities.
Let's work together on the vibrant Community Development of Inagi. We ask for the understanding, cooperation, and participation of all citizens.