Seocho District Council Passes Nine Agenda Items Including Resolution to Form Special Committee on Budget and Accounts

The Seocho District Council (Chairperson Ko Sunjae) concluded the schedule for its 341st extraordinary session with the 2nd plenary meeting on April 30.

During this session, the council passed a total of nine agenda items, including the resolution to form a Special Committee on Budget and Accounts.

At the plenary meeting that day, there were a total of four five-minute free speeches. First, Councilor Shin Jeongtae pointed out that illegal parking and stopping of two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles) remain in a regulatory blind spot. He proposed to stipulate the installation of dedicated parking spaces in the 'Seocho District Parking Lot Installation and Management Ordinance,' to designate areas requiring parking management, to secure a certain percentage or more of parking spaces, and to create dedicated zones for two-wheeled vehicles in public and street parking lots.

Councilor Kim Sungju called for comprehensive measures reflecting local characteristics to address the recurring problem of storm drain blockages caused by fallen leaves, inflow of soil, and the installation of covers. He urged for adjustments to the timing of tree pruning, installation of mesh screens, and improvements to drainage structures.

Councilor Park Jaehyung, who called for the revision of the 'Seocho District Property Tax Reduction Ordinance,' pointed out that the provision for property tax reduction for former presidents is a preferential clause that violates tax equity and fairness.

He further emphasized that amending the ordinance is the district's responsibility in accordance with the realization of tax justice and the principles of local autonomy, stating that it is a measure that goes beyond simple administrative adjustment to meet the expectations of residents and the current trends of the times.

Lastly, Councilor Ahn Byungdoo explained that, contrary to some media reports, the property tax reduction ordinance for former presidents does not include the Comprehensive Real Estate Holding Tax (a national tax), but is limited to property tax (a local tax).

He also added that this is not a full exemption but a 'reduction,' where the tax rate is lowered and then imposed.

Additionally, he argued that, since the ordinance is scheduled to sunset in 2026, it is necessary to approach any amendment with caution, taking into account various circumstances comprehensively, rather than rushing the process.

During this session, the council passed a total of nine agenda items, including the 'Resolution to Form the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts' and two ordinances proposed by council members. The approved items are as follows: ▲Resolution to Form the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts ▲Partial Amendment to the Basic Ordinance of the Seocho District Council, Seoul Metropolitan City (Councilor Yoo Jiwoong) ▲Ordinance on Wildfire Prevention in Seocho District, Seoul Metropolitan City (Councilor Lee Hyungjun) ▲Ordinance on the Operation of the Yangjae AI Future Convergence Innovation Special Zone in Seocho District, Seoul Metropolitan City ▲Consent to Invest in the Seocho District Small and Medium Business Promotion Fund for Operating the Seocho AI Startup Fund ▲(Provisional Name) Consent to Private Consignment of Management and Operation of Seocho District Public Wonperla-1 Daycare Center ▲(Provisional Name) Consent to Private Consignment of Management and Operation of Seocho District Public Wonperla-2 Daycare Center ▲(Provisional Name) Consent to Private Consignment of Management and Operation of Seocho District Public Ottier Banpo Daycare Center ▲Consent to Private Consignment of Management and Operation of Seocho District Public Foresta 2nd Complex Daycare Center.