Hampyeong County in South Jeolla Province has confirmed its first supplementary budget since the launch of the ninth popularly elected administration, and will provide 500,000 won per resident as a livelihood recovery support fund. The measure aims to simultaneously revitalize the local economy and ease the financial burden on residents ahead of the Chuseok holiday.

The Hampyeong County Council passed the second supplementary budget bill at its 313th extraordinary session. With this, the county's total budget for this year has been expanded to 627.2 billion won. This represents an increase of approximately 30 billion won from the first supplementary budget (597.2 billion won), marking an increase rate of over 5%. On a general account basis, the figure stands at 602.6 billion won.

This supplementary budget was formulated to reflect changed fiscal conditions and newly emerging demands following the previous supplementary budget. The focus has been placed on securing resources for stabilizing residents' livelihoods, recovering the local economy, and advancing key projects.

The most central initiative is the 15.11 billion won 'livelihood recovery support fund.' It is being promoted based on a Hampyeong County ordinance, with the goal of creating a self-sustaining economic cycle by reducing the burden of living expenses and stimulating local consumption. The eligibility covers residents registered in Hampyeong County as of July 1. Marriage immigrants and permanent residents are also included. A prepaid card worth 500,000 won per person will be issued, with a usage deadline of December 31 of this year.

Applications and distribution will begin on September 7 through town and township offices. Hampyeong County aims to concentrate disbursements before the Chuseok holiday period, with the entire process scheduled to be completed by October 8. The initiative is expected to ease the burden of holiday shopping and living expenses while also boosting sales for local small business owners and self-employed individuals.

In addition to the livelihood recovery support fund, 14.86 billion won has been allocated to 40 subsidized projects jointly funded by national and provincial government contributions. The resources have been secured through newly obtained funds, including general allocation grants and national and municipal subsidies.

Hampyeong County Mayor Lee Nam-oh stated, "As this is the first supplementary budget of the ninth popularly elected administration, we placed great emphasis on allocating resources in a way that provides practical help for stabilizing residents' livelihoods and recovering the local economy." He added, "I hope this support fund will serve as an opportunity to ease the financial burden on residents and breathe life into the stagnant local commercial district."

However, practical challenges such as congestion at town and township office windows and delays in prepaid card issuance are expected during the application process, making it necessary to monitor on-site conditions after disbursement begins.

[※ This article provides information on local government policies and support funds. For details regarding individual eligibility and disbursement procedures, please be sure to confirm with your jurisdiction's town or township office or Hampyeong County Office. This article was written with partial AI assistance, and this publication assumes no legal or financial responsibility in relation to it.]