No. 18 Initial budget for FY2013

(Published in the April 15, 2013 issue of Public Relations Inagi)

　The new fiscal year budget was approved at the first regular city council meeting in 2013 and has been implemented since April 1, 2013.
The size of the general account budget for FY2013 was 30.89 billion yen, a decrease of 1.51 billion yen, or 4.7%, from the previous year. The previous fiscal year included the cost of purchasing land for Nanzan Elementary School (tentative name) (approximately 2.2 billion yen), so excluding that single-year factor would result in an increase of approximately 680 million yen, or 2.3%.
The main reasons for the increase are construction-related expenses such as the reconstruction of the old Inagi Daiichi Elementary School building and the new construction of Nanzan Elementary School (tentative name), in addition to the increase in assistance expenses in areas such as welfare and childcare support.
In formulating the budget, we focused on maintaining sound finances, continuing support for disaster-stricken areas, continuing the city's disaster prevention and mitigation measures, continuing emergency economic measures, curbing ordinary expenses, and reviewing the burden on beneficiaries. The most important thing is earthquake disaster countermeasures and environmental countermeasures.
Regarding reconstruction support, we will continue to dispatch mid- to long-term staff to Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture, and Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture this fiscal year.
Regarding the tight supply and demand of electricity, we believe that an effective contribution the city can take is to save electricity. All replaceable lighting in facilities such as city hall main building and street lights managed by the city will be updated to LED within this fiscal year. Additionally, we will gradually update the mercury lamps in the park to LED over the next five years.
Furthermore, we will start a subsidy system for residential energy creation equipment, etc. Specifically, subsidies will be provided for the introduction of equipment such as solar power generation, solar heat utilization, fuel cells (Ene-Farm), and household storage batteries.
Regarding biodiversity conservation, we have recorded expenses related to basic research and support for formulating regional strategies. Regional strategies have not yet been formulated by all organizations at the prefectural level, but at the municipal level it appears to be a pioneer. We would like to proceed with citizen participation in order to formulate the plan within fiscal year 2014.
Meanwhile, renovation work on Friend Hirao has been completed and it has resumed operation. The school consultation and developmental support center has begun operations on the fourth floor of the facility. Education and welfare work together to support children in resolving their developmental concerns.
It has also been decided that the position of tourism manager will be appointed for a fixed term. This year as well, we will continue to communicate the charms of Inagi City to the whole country.