Changhua to get NT$36.2 billion in tax allocation next year, most outside the six special municipalities
Taiwan's Changhua County is getting more money from the central government next year, good news for local services but not enough to close its budget gap.
- Changhua will receive NT$36.2 billion in shared tax revenue for 2027, the most of any county outside the six big cities.
- The revised revenue-sharing law is behind the jump, adding NT$2.6 billion in tax money while general subsidies dip slightly, for a net gain of NT$2.3 billion.
- Even with NT$57.7 billion coming from Taipei, the county still has to find NT$14.2 billion on its own through local taxes and borrowing.
- Both major parties want the money spent well: DPP councilors point to free health insurance for over-65s, which alone would eat the entire increase in year one.
- KMT councilors warn the windfall is one-off and should go to paying down debt, not permanent new spending.
Outlook: The county is still drafting next year's budget, and the fight will be over whether the extra money funds new welfare promises ahead of the year-end election or shrinks the debt.