Taiwan township council clashes with office over pool renovation funds

A proposed additional budget for swimming pool renovations in Linbian Township has become a focal point of contention between the township office and the township council. The township office initiated renovation work last year but sought an additional budget of over 7 million yuan in mid-July. The township council, however, rejected this追加, arguing they were blindsided and that the proposal included costs for heavy electrical systems, which should have been anticipated earlier.

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The additional budget is for related new renovations of bathrooms, restrooms, and walkways, as well as the external environment. Additionally, due to the addition of sauna and steam room spaces, new heavy electrical installations and equipment procurement are needed.

Township Council Chairman Chen Shun-feng stated that while the council had not blocked any items in the current year's already high budget, the追加 request came only as the project neared its scheduled completion date. He also noted a lack of prior communication from the township office. Chen suggested that the Black Pearl Marathon, an event planned for next year, should be postponed until after the election, with the decision deferred to the next township office and council after a review of past event effectiveness.

Linbian Township Mayor Cheng Ching-tang responded that the追加 budget was intended for new renovations, including bathrooms, restrooms, walkways, and external environments. The addition of a sauna and steam room also necessitated new heavy electrical installations and equipment purchases. He explained that rising international prices due to global conflicts had increased costs, prompting the request for an additional 7 million yuan. Cheng also clarified that the original completion date was delayed due to numerous weather-related work stoppages from typhoons and rain.

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The heavy electrical systems should have been planned from the beginning of the design. How could they propose an additional budget on the scheduled completion date? Moreover, the pool manufacturer was contacted to come for an on-site inspection and explanation during the temporary session, but the supervisor was absent.

The township office had secured 35 million yuan from central and county governments, plus over 7 million yuan in self-raised funds for the original pool renovation. The additional 7 million yuan was requested after deciding to add facilities like the sauna and steam room to attract more visitors. The council's rejection of the追加 budget, along with the marathon funding, was seen by some as a "surprise attack" during a special session. However, Chen Shun-feng argued that the council only rejects proposals without valid reasons, and that rejecting the first-ever追加 budget items does not equate to obstructing governance.

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The marathon case, with over 3 million yuan, should be decided by the next township office and township council after the election, considering the upcoming election.