Kim Young-geun, Michuhol District Councillor, "Advance Payment System for Night Snack Expenses for Volunteer Crime Prevention Teams Requires Flexible Execution Reflecting Activity Reality"

Kim Young-geun, a councillor from Michuhol District (Democratic Party, Yonghyeon 5, Hakik 1, Gwangkyo, Munhak), urged for transparent operation of the 'Advance Payment System for Night Snack Expenses' introduced to enhance the convenience of volunteer crime prevention team members and the establishment of budget execution guidelines reflecting the realities of their activities.

During the 293rd Michuhol District Council's temporary session on the 29th, Councillor Kim focused on the need for changes in the execution method of the budget supporting the volunteer crime prevention teams and assessed the effectiveness of the policy.

Currently, Michuhol District has transitioned from the previous quarterly post-settlement method of providing night snack expenses for volunteer crime prevention teams to an 'advance payment system' where a certain amount is paid upfront and the balance is settled, starting from the second half of last year. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on crime prevention team members who have to initially spend their own money during volunteer activities due to insufficient operating funds.

Councillor Kim pointed out that "the night snack expenses for volunteer crime prevention teams have been rigid in terms of payment timing and purpose, failing to adequately reflect the actual demands of the service sites." He particularly added, "Having observed over seven years of legislative activities, I found that despite the diverse activities of team members, including night patrols and morning traffic assistance, budget support has always been constrained."

Councillor Kim further urged the district officials, stating, "While the transition to the advance payment system is positive, it must be supported by clear calculation grounds and a specific execution plan," and requested the submission of related materials. He also emphasized the need to secure flexibility in budget execution to ensure practical support can be provided even after morning volunteer activities.

In response, a district official stated, "We introduced the advance payment method after listening to the difficulties faced by team members in spending their own money," and assured, "We will manage to ensure more efficient support based on the budget calculation grounds and operational plan requested by Councillor Kim."