Mayor’s Remarks:
1. It has been more than two months since the January 21st earthquake. We ask the relevant bureaus and departments to continue advancing post-disaster reconstruction efforts. We sincerely thank the Structural Engineers Association, Professional Civil Engineers Association, and Architects Association for their invaluable assistance. We also express our gratitude to charitable organizations, such as the Tzu Chi Foundation, Hengshan Social Welfare Foundation, and Work Charity Group for their support, which has expedited the city's administrative procedures, such as assessment and evaluation. This efficiency has allowed citizens to apply quickly for repair subsidies and relief funds. The Tainan City government has actively sought repair subsidies from the central government, and approval has been granted to implement the reconstruction of some public facilities gradually. Thanks to the proactive efforts of various departments in promoting post-disaster recovery and relief work, the disaster's impact on the city has been minimized. Since the Lunar New Year, the number of visitors to Tainan has remained stable. In April, our city will host the National Middle School Athletic Games, and in May, Chang Jung Christian University will host the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games. These events are expected to attract numerous athletes, staff, coaches, fans, and sports enthusiasts to Tainan, providing a significant boost to the city's tourism, hospitality, and related industries.
2. The four-day Qingming Festival holiday is approaching, and many visitors from other regions will come to Tainan during this period. We ask the Transportation Bureau, Police Bureau, Environmental Protection Bureau, Fire Bureau, and other relevant departments to ensure the safety and smooth flow of both tomb-sweeping and tourist crowds within their respective jurisdictions. Recently, fires in other countries have led to casualties, property damage, and environmental pollution. Therefore, we must remain vigilant to prevent both natural and human-made disasters. During the Qingming Festival holiday, we ask all bureaus and departments to remind the public to be cautious of fire hazards. The Fire Bureau should ensure that essential equipment, such as small fire trucks and water retrieval facilities, are prepared. We also request full public cooperation to minimize the incidence of fire, ensuring a safe Qingming holiday for all citizens.
Reports
1. The Department of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics presented a report titled "Evaluation of the Impact of the 2025 Central Government Budget Cuts and Freezes on the Tainan City Government" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) The Legislative Yuan has reduced the central government’s total budget by NT$207.6 billion and frozen NT$138.1 billion. This decision significantly lowers administrative efficiency, restricts program implementation, and negatively impacts the rights and interests of the public. Due to these budget cuts, various central government subsidies originally allocated to city departments may also be proportionally reduced. If local governments proceed with projects, they will need to cover the shortfall, creating significant financial challenges. Moreover, since Tainan City receives relatively low centrally allocated tax revenues, it becomes increasingly difficult for bureaus and departments to carry out their planned projects.
(2) Although railway and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) construction are central government projects, local governments must also bear part of the costs. In the past, when Taipei City and New Taipei City developed their MRT networks, the central government subsidized more than 90% of expenses. However, as Tainan City begins constructing its first MRT line, central government budget cuts have increased the local government’s financial burden by 40–50%. This poses a major challenge to Tainan City's finances. Additionally, the central government had originally planned to establish the National Depository Center in the Tsengwen Municipal Vision Park, but due to budget cuts, the Ministry of Culture may no longer proceed with this project, impacting local development.
(3) Following amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures, some responsibilities previously held by the central government may shift to local governments, along with the associated budget. For instance, some national high schools and vocational schools may transition to municipal schools, and the proportion of central government subsidies for critical infrastructure like roads and sewage systems may continue to decrease. This situation will heavily impact the city's finances and hinder the progress of major public projects in Tainan City.
(4) All bureaus and departments are requested to compile a list of affected items and, based on their importance and urgency, actively seek funding from the central government. Should the city government need to assume additional financial responsibilities, we must be prepared for potential delays in subsidy disbursement from the central government due to budget cuts, which could impact project contracting and progress, placing a significant strain on local governance. All bureaus and departments are urged to submit this information to Secretary-General Fang to assess the city’s financial capacity and prioritize accordingly. For projects that cannot be carried out or will be delayed, please prepare relevant explanations to inform citizens and seek their understanding.