Hualien General Budget Dispute: Ministry of Interior Approves County Government's Proposal

(CNA, Taipei, May 18, Reporter Kao Hua-chien) Regarding the dispute over Hualien County's fiscal year 115 (2026) general budget, the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) stated that as the one-month negotiation period has expired, it will, in principle, respect the budget compiled by the county government and approve it as submitted. As for the dispute over the reconstruction funding for the Mata'an River dammed lake flood disaster, the MOI has requested the council to arrange for a special report from the county magistrate for supervision and has asked the county government to respond appropriately. Hualien County's 115 general budget has been delayed. On April 16, the Hualien County Government stated that the budget was sent to the council for review on October 14 of last year as required by law, but it has now exceeded the legal deadline. To protect the rights of the county's citizens, it has requested the MOI for a decision under the Local Government Act. The council, however, demanded the county government comply with the procedural committee's resolution of October 27 last year, asking it to supplement and amend the general budget within the existing budget amount and framework, specifically by correcting or supplementing content related to post-disaster recovery and reconstruction in Guangfu Township. The MOI announced today via a press release that after the one-month negotiation period, the Hualien County Government and Hualien County Council still could not reach a consensus. After the MOI convened relevant central government agencies for discussion on May 11, it was found that the budget documents did not mention the allocation plan for the Mata'an disaster reconstruction funds or the issue of subsidy distribution to the townships and cities under its jurisdiction. After a written review by all agencies, it was determined that the budget content did not violate any laws, and thus a decision was made to respect the budget content compiled by the county government. The MOI said that for the disputes over the planning of reconstruction funds for the Mata'an River dammed lake flood disaster and the distribution of subsidies to townships and cities, the county council is asked to use its statutory authority during its session to arrange for a special report from the head of the county government for supervision. The county government is also asked to properly explain the issues of concern to the county council to jointly promote the welfare of local residents. The MOI explained that according to Article 40, Paragraph 4 of the Local Government Act, if a county/city council fails to complete the review of the general budget within three months after the start of the fiscal year, the county/city government may request the MOI to negotiate and make a decision within one month. If the deadline is exceeded, the MOI will make a direct decision. The MOI pointed out that for Hualien County's 115 general budget, the county government requested the MOI's intervention on April 15. The MOI convened a negotiation meeting on April 27, asking both sides to consider making concessions. However, by the end of the negotiation period on May 16, the two sides still could not reach a consensus, so a decision was made in accordance with the law. (Editor: Su Lung-chi) 1150518