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, and we would like to inform you of the overview.
The scale of the General Fund Budget for fiscal year 2016 is 34.7 billion yen, an increase of 1.016 billion yen, or 3.0%, compared to the previous year.
In this budget formulation, we focused on maintaining 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 Work Creation Comprehensive Strategy, continuing support for the disaster-affected areas of the Great East Japan Earthquake, advancing disaster prevention and mitigation within the city, and 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 central, with social welfare expenses increasing by 5.4%, accounting for over 40% of the total, and education expenses increasing by 9.2%.
Particular emphasis in this budget formulation was placed on measures aimed at building a community-based integrated care system, improving educational facilities, and constructing a fire Branch Office as a disaster prevention base.
Regarding reconstruction support, we will continue to dispatch staff to Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture and engage in volunteer activities in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture this fiscal year.
For Parenting support, we will introduce an electronic version of the maternal and child health handbook service, expand the number of children accepted at Licensed Childcare Centers and family welfare workers, enhance community activity projects at Licensed Childcare Centers, and establish an after-school children's classroom management committee.
For elderly support, we will formulate the 7th Care Insurance Business Plan and implement subsidies for health check-up fees for late-stage elderly individuals and for the use of health promotion facilities.
Regarding tourism promotion and the creation of vibrancy, we will establish the Inagi Base Pair Terrace under the elevated station of Inagi-Naganuma, entrust the operation of this facility to the Chamber of Commerce as the designated manager, entrust the operation of Inagi Nagamine Sports Plaza to the Tokyo Verdy Group as the designated manager, develop Inagi Wi-Fi, and enhance sister city and friendship city exchange projects with Ozora Town, Soma City, and Nozawa Onsen Village.

The main construction projects for this fiscal year include the new construction of the After-School Childcare Program at the Second Elementary School, the new construction of the Fire Branch Office, large-scale renovations of the Second Elementary School building, direct water supply construction for Nagamine Elementary School, Wakabadai Elementary School, and Inagi City Dai 6 Junior High School, large-scale renovations of the First Junior High School building, ceiling renovation work at the Fifth Junior High School, and large-scale renovations of the Central Community Center hall. Even just the projects listed here 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. While there may be inconveniences during the renovation periods, we ask for your understanding as we determine priorities 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 as well, we will continue to listen to your opinions regarding various issues in city administration and will work towards solutions, so we appreciate your cooperation.