Geumsan County Puts 'Rural Basic Income Pilot Project' on Hold Due to Funding Challenges

Participation Put on Hold After Careful Consideration of County's Financial Situation

Heo Changdeok, Deputy Governor of Geumsan County (Photo by Mo Seokbong)

Heo Changdeok, Deputy Governor of Geumsan County, held a press conference in the county office briefing room on the 15th and stated, "On September 12, we submitted our intention to participate in the Rural Basic Income pilot project to Chungcheongnam-do Province. However, after the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced its proposal, we conducted a thorough review and, considering the county's financial situation, ultimately decided to put our participation on hold."

He added, "Going forward, we will do our utmost to maintain fiscal soundness and provide practical and sustainable support to our residents."

Deputy Governor Heo explained, "This pilot project, initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, aims to select six counties and provide residents of areas experiencing rural population decline with local gift certificates, rather than cash, at a rate of 150,000 won per person per month for two years."

He further stated, "In the case of Geumsan County, with a population of 50,000, the total project cost would amount to 90 billion won per year, with a recommended cost-sharing ratio of 40% from the national government (36 billion won), 30% from the provincial government (27 billion won), and 30% from the county (27 billion won)," highlighting the financial burden on the county.

Geumsan County reiterated that, after discussions with the relevant department at Chungcheongnam-do Provincial Government, they were informed that provincial funding support would be difficult. Given the county's challenging financial situation, the prospect of having to shoulder up to 108 billion won in county funds over two years (54 billion won per year) was a significant burden.