[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Suwon City submitted a '2021 Budget Proposal' worth 2.66 trillion won to the Suwon City Council on the 17th.
The general account was reduced by 31.1 billion won to 2.35 trillion won, and the special account decreased by 133.9 billion won to 307.4 billion won, marking a total decrease of 165 billion won compared to this year's initial budget of 2.83 trillion won.
Among general account resources, autonomous revenue was allocated at 1.24 trillion won. Local tax revenue, which comprises the largest portion of autonomous revenue, stands at 895 billion won. While automobile tax decreased by 14 billion won, local income tax increased by 21.2 billion won, resulting in an overall increase of 4.3 billion won from this year's initial budget.
Meanwhile, non-tax revenue was allocated at 161 billion won, down 44 billion won due to decreases in property sales revenue and contribution income. Additionally, local bonds were issued at only 25.4 billion won, a reduction of 59 billion won from this year to ensure fiscal soundness. Net carry-forward surplus was planned at 65 billion won, reduced by 44 billion won from this year in consideration of rapid budget execution results. Internal transactions account for 90.9 billion won.
Transfer revenue from the central and provincial governments totals 1.12 trillion won. Local allocation tax decreased by 11.6 billion won to 42.8 billion won, adjustment grant increased by 5.2 billion won to 194 billion won, and national treasury and provincial subsidies increased by 48.3 billion won to 879.7 billion won. The city stated that through continuous budget sales efforts to secure transfer revenue and cover budget shortfalls, transfer revenue increased by 42 billion won compared to this year.
The special account decreased due to inter-account resource adjustments, reflecting the establishment of 163 billion won in the integrated financial stabilization fund.
Suwon's 2021 budget operates under a 'refresh' framework in response to fiscal crisis, falling below not only this year's initial budget but also 2019's initial budget of 2.78 trillion won.
Through structural adjustment in expenditure categories, the city allocated 330.2 billion won for administrative operating expenses including civil servant salaries—including overtime allowances, vacation compensation days, and employee welfare budgets—a reduction of 5.8 billion won. The city also set spending ceilings for each department at 80 percent of 2020 levels, substantially reducing unnecessary investments and events while adjusting timelines.
The allocation of policy business budgets totaling 1.96 trillion won is focused on securing life and safety as the foundation of citizens' lives.
First, 76.3 billion won is allocated to safety sectors including infectious disease response and disaster prevention checks. These include ▲COVID-19 response and quarantine operations 3.1 billion won ▲infectious disease prevention and management 18.7 billion won ▲regional public health and health promotion projects 27.1 billion won, etc.
Additionally, 1.04 trillion won is used to rebuild citizens' lives and provide proactive public social services through establishing a social safety net. This includes ▲basic pension 266.7 billion won ▲infant childcare fees 126.3 billion won ▲basic livelihood security benefits 114.1 billion won, etc.
To support local economic recovery and small business and SME assistance amid prolonged COVID-19 downturn, 56.3 billion won is allocated. This includes ▲issuance and operation of local currency 14.2 billion won ▲senior employment projects 17.8 billion won ▲alley commercial district revitalization 5.4 billion won, etc.
For maintaining citizen-focused urban functions through infrastructure development and service provision, 263.3 billion won was allocated. This includes ▲waste collection and transportation 58.5 billion won ▲Hwaseong Haenggung Palace restoration and cultural heritage preservation 22 billion won ▲Gwanggyo complex sports center construction 15 billion won, etc.
The city also focuses its capacity as a local government on the Green New Deal and Digital New Deal presented as Korea's future roadmap. Proactively investing 40 billion won in the Green New Deal targeting carbon zero, ▲emissions reduction for operating diesel vehicles 22.6 billion won ▲low-emission vehicle supply project 15.4 billion won ▲domestic low-NOx boiler supply and air pollution management projects 1.5 billion won ▲green curtains and fine dust reduction urban forest creation 500 million won were allocated.
To lead big data-based digital new deals, ▲Suwon customized big data platform construction 300 million won ▲integrated parking control system construction 1.5 billion won ▲big data-based digital outdoor advertising project 200 million won ▲integrated platform (app) taxi operation project 100 million won, totaling 2.1 billion won will be utilized.
The city has committed to moving beyond simple business-level expenditure restructuring by conducting mid-to-long-term fiscal condition analysis to respond flexibly to the future and establish differentiated strategies, while pursuing bold fiscal innovation through comprehensive administrative system reform to secure fiscal soundness.
Jo In-sang, director of Planning and Coordination at the city, said, "The forewarned fiscal crisis is sufficiently overcomable, and all staff members will actively participate in overcoming the crisis to respond wisely without causing any inconvenience to Suwon citizens."
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