No. 18 Initial Budget for Fiscal Year 2013

(Inagi Newsletter April 15, 2013 issue)

The new fiscal year's budget was approved at the first Regular Session of the City Council in Heisei 25 and has been in effect since April 1, 2013.
The scale of the General Fund Budget for fiscal year 2013 is 30.89 billion yen, which is a decrease of 1.51 billion yen, or 4.7%, compared to the previous year. The previous year included the land acquisition cost for the (tentative name) Minamiyama Elementary School (approximately 2.2 billion yen), so excluding that one-time factor, there is an increase of approximately 680 million yen, or 2.3%.
In addition to an increase in assistance costs in areas such as Public Assistance and Parenting support, the main factors for the increase in expenses are the reconstruction of the old building of Inagi Dai 1 Elementary School and the construction of the new (tentative name) Minamiyama Elementary School.
In budget formulation, we identified challenges such as maintaining sound finances, continuing support for disaster-stricken areas, the city's disaster prevention and mitigation measures, ongoing emergency economic measures, controlling regular expenses, and reviewing the burden on beneficiaries. However, we particularly focused on disaster response and environmental measures.
Regarding reconstruction support, this fiscal year we will also implement medium- to long-term staff dispatch to Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture and Rikuzentakata City in Iwate Prefecture.
Regarding the tightness of electricity supply and demand, we believe that the most effective contribution that the city can make is through energy conservation. We will update all replaceable lighting in facilities such as the City Hall main building and streetlights managed by the city to LED within this fiscal year. Additionally, we will gradually update the mercury lamps in parks to LED over the next five years.
Furthermore, we will start a subsidy program for residential renewable energy equipment. Specifically, subsidies will be provided for the installation of equipment such as solar power generation, solar thermal utilization, fuel cells (EneFarm), and home storage batteries.
We have allocated expenses for basic research and formulation support for the development of regional strategies for biodiversity conservation. At the prefectural level, the formulation of strategies has not yet been completed by all organizations, and it seems to be pioneering at the municipal level. We would like to proceed with the formulation within the fiscal year 2014 with the participation of citizens.
On the other hand, regarding "Friend Hirao," the renovation work has been completed, and it has reopened for use. On the 4th floor of the facility, the operations of the School Consultation and Development Support Center have begun. We will support the resolution of concerns related to development by uniting education and welfare.
In addition, the term appointment of the head of the Tourism Division has been decided. This year, we will continue to promote the charm of Inagi City to the nation.