Hualien County's Six-Month Budget Dispute Concludes; County Government to Expedite Administration

(CNA, Reporter Lee Hsien-feng, Hualien, 18th) Regarding the Hualien County general budget dispute, the Ministry of the Interior sent a letter today affirming the budget proposal as legal and agreeing to its full passage. The Hualien County Government stated that despite a six-month delay, it will lawfully accelerate administration and firmly defend the rights and interests of its residents. The council expressed respect for the decision and will continue to strictly supervise budget execution. Hualien County's 115th fiscal year general budget proposal was sent to the County Council last October. The council, following a resolution by its procedure committee, requested that the county government supplement and revise the budget. This request was not agreed to by the county government, delaying its review. As the statutory deadline had passed, the county referred the matter to the Ministry of the Interior for a decision in accordance with the Local Government Act to protect the rights of its citizens. The Ministry stated that after a one-month negotiation period, it would, in principle, respect the budget compiled by the county government and pass it as submitted. As for disputes such as the funding plan for reconstruction after the Mataian River landslide-dam flood, the Ministry has asked the council to arrange a special report from the county magistrate for supervision and requested the county government to respond appropriately. The Hualien County Government pointed out that the 115th fiscal year budget is crucial for various administrative expenses, including grassroots construction, social welfare, post-disaster reconstruction, and several new measures for the year, such as health insurance subsidies for those over 65, denture subsidies, an increase in subsidies for the Elderly and Caring Taxi service, as well as youth entrepreneurship awards and care for women and children. The county government is now completing the subsequent statutory budget procedures based on the Ministry's approved result and will implement them as quickly as possible after completing the relevant administrative procedures. The Hualien County Government stated that it has always adhered to lawful administration and firmly upheld the rights and interests of Hualien's residents. County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei places high importance on the post-disaster reconstruction of Mataian, having reported on the recovery progress to the council twice, on the morning of October 31, 114, and the afternoon of May 15, 115. Under the council's supervision, efforts are being made to restore stability to the affected area as soon as possible. The Hualien County Council issued a statement expressing respect for the final decision made by the Ministry of the Interior in accordance with the law. Regarding the increased general budget for the 115th fiscal year, the council called on the Hualien County Government to be prudent and make good use of every cent of taxpayer money. The council will also continue to strictly supervise the execution of all budgets. The Hualien County Council emphasized that the Hualien County Government holds a record-high budget of NT$40.1 billion this year, all of which is the hard-earned money of taxpayers. Particularly on the issues of balanced development, such as the "Mataian post-disaster reconstruction budget expenditure plan" and the "allocation of subsidies to its subordinate township/city offices," which were of concern in the Ministry's letter, greater transparency is needed to inform citizens how disaster victims will be cared for and the fairness of financial subsidies to various townships and cities. The council indicated that, following the instructions in the Ministry's official document and Article 49, Paragraph 1 of the Local Government Act, it will arrange for County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei and relevant department heads to present a special report during the legislative session. It is hoped that Hsu Chen-wei and her county government team will respond properly and explain the relevant plans in detail, ensuring that reconstruction funds are used effectively to protect the welfare of all citizens and the sustainable development of Hualien. (Editor: Lee Shu-hua) 1150518