Mayor’s Remarks:
1. Based on meteorological data, the flood season is expected to begin in late May. The City Government convened a flood prevention meeting yesterday (April 28). All bureaus and departments are instructed to implement effective dredging and water conservation measures. Although reservoir levels remain within the normal and safe range, efforts in water conservation and the use of reclaimed water should continue. Relevant agencies should prioritize clearing irrigation channels, drainage ditches, and sewage systems. For construction projects currently underway, it is critical to ensure the proper maintenance of drainage ditches to prevent the obstruction of drainage infrastructure, such as pipes and ditches, due to construction activities, which could lead to flooding. Relevant bureaus and departments should test the sluice gates and pumping equipment and ensure that they remain available and in good working order.
2. With Labor Day approaching on May 1, we express our sincere gratitude to the workers of Tainan for their contributions to the city’s development. The Bureau of Labor Affairs is requested to monitor the impact of U.S. tariff policies and stay informed about changes in the labor market. If any adverse effects on employment arise, we must respond proactively by supporting affected workers to help stabilize Tainan’s employment and labor force participation rates.
Reports
1. The Department of Legal Affairs presented a report on the "Progress and Outcomes of the Comprehensive Review of Municipal Regulations" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) Laws must evolve with the times. Sound and up-to-date regulations enable public servants to administer in accordance with the law. If our city’s regulations fail to align with central legislative amendments, it may erode public trust in both the legal system and government agencies. All bureaus and departments should promptly coordinate with central legal reforms and conduct a thorough review of applicable local regulations to ensure that all governance activities are supported by law.
(2) The Department of Legal Affairs, in collaboration with the Research, Development, and Evaluation Commission, is requested to incorporate the performance of regulatory revisions by each department into the year-end performance evaluations.
2. The Finance and Taxation Bureau delivered a report on the "Impact of the Revised Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures on Tainan City" (refer to written sources for details).
Resolution: Approved for reference filing.
Mayor’s Comments:
(1) The revised Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures is unfavorable to Tainan. Although the revised act has been announced, it has yet to take effect. The amendment favors northern over southern Taiwan, eastern over western regions, and outlying islands over the main island, which is deeply unfair to Tainan’s fiscal situation. This is a critical time for Tainan’s infrastructure development, such as the MRT system and the extension of the railway underground project, which require substantial financial investment. While the other five special municipalities, especially Taipei City and New Taipei City, have already completed much of their infrastructure and received high levels of central government subsidies during the construction of their infrastructure projects, Tainan now faces reduced subsidy rates. These reductions are taking effect just as our projects are commencing, resulting in substantial financial losses for the city. Additionally, in the case of responsibility transfers, such as elderly farmers’ subsidies, the number of eligible recipients is lower in Taipei City and New Taipei City, and yet they have received over NT$200 billion—exacerbating the disparity and putting greater fiscal strain on our city. All bureaus and departments must actively seek various central subsidies and implement plans to increase revenue and reduce expenditure.
(2) All bureaus and departments are urged to work with the Finance and Taxation Bureau to revitalize idle assets and promote private participation. In addition, daily operating expenses should be managed prudently. For example, as the central government no longer subsidizes increased electricity costs, all agencies and schools are expected to conserve electricity.