Opening of the 269th Hapcheon County Council 2nd Plenary Session

59 Cases of Correction, Recommendation, and Processing Requested in This Year's Administrative Audit Results

The 269th Hapcheon County Council is holding its 2nd plenary session.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] The Hapcheon County Council in Gyeongnam held its second plenary session on the morning of the 7th, receiving and approving the review results from each committee on various agenda items, including the 2022 administrative affairs audit activities conducted during the recess period.

First, in the 2023 Hapcheon County revenue and expenditure budget proposal submission and the mayor’s policy speech, Mayor Kim Yoon-cheol stated, “Next year’s budget is 751.3 billion KRW, an increase of 76.5 billion KRW (11.33%) compared to this year’s original budget, marking the largest budget ever exceeding 700 billion KRW. Despite difficult circumstances, we have increased strategic investments to revive the local economy and overcome regional extinction, and concentrated available resources on livelihood projects directly related to the lives of residents.” He added, “I ask for the warm interest and support of the council members to make Hapcheon a place where anyone wants to live and a greater Hapcheon.”

Next, regarding the adoption of the 2022 administrative affairs audit report conducted over nine days from November 16, the council requested action on a total of 59 items, including 8 administrative matters such as thorough promotion of local development contest projects, strict management and supervision of various subsidy projects, implementation of measures to improve integrity, thorough handling of audit points raised by the Board of Audit and Inspection, and active promotion of the Hapcheon-Daegu Happiness Taxi service. They urged that these be actively reflected in various county policies.

Additionally, the council approved 22 agenda items, including 11 ordinances such as the “Hapcheon County First-time Elementary School Enrollment Congratulatory Fund Support Ordinance (led by Councilor Kwon Young-sik),” 8 shared property management plans including the “Purchase of Land for the Construction of a Memorial Facility for Korean Atomic Bomb Victims,” and 3 consent proposals. The ordinances were passed as originally proposed or with amendments, judged necessary and appropriate, and expected to contribute to improving the quality of life of local residents.

Meanwhile, two partial amendments to the Hapcheon County Administrative Organization Ordinance and the Hapcheon County Local Public Officials Staffing Ordinance were rejected after a vote following an objection by Councilor Lee Jong-cheol.

Councilor Lee Hanshin questioned Mayor Kim about “Measures to secure safe drinking water supply in the Nakdong River basin according to government plans” and “Current status and future plans for the Hwanggang direct river construction and new town development projects.”

In response, Mayor Kim said, “Regarding the diversification of water intake sources project, we will actively respond by supporting the expanded activities of the residents’ countermeasure committee, opposing unilateral government initiatives, and building consensus with neighboring local governments.”

Regarding the direct river construction project, he explained, “This project is a large-scale project promoted as a pledge of the 7th local government administration. It is being carried out through proper procedures to become an opportunity for local development. However, since various pending issues exist, we will carefully review the private investment agreement, current issues, feasibility, and consider the willingness of the investor to resolve problems, while exploring alternative directions.”

Councilor Park Anna, during her 5-minute free speech, urged, “Please actively consider expanding the 365 Safe Ward project to reduce the socio-economic burden on patients and their families for hospital care and to ensure patients can receive hospital care services with peace of mind.”

The county council will review nine agenda items, including the “2023 Hapcheon County revenue and expenditure budget” and the “Consent proposal for local tax reduction for bereaved families related to the Itaewon accident,” by standing committees starting from the 8th, and will conclude the 269th session after approving them at the third plenary session scheduled for the 19th.