Why is the council necessary?
Local autonomy generally refers to a system in which residents within a defined area form a local government to manage their own affairs, namely, the common matters of their community, at their own responsibility and financial contributions. Although local autonomy means self-governance by residents, it is not practically possible for all residents to participate directly in local administration.
Therefore, under the Local Autonomy Act and the Public Official Election Act, a representative system is established in which residents elect local council members to form a deliberative body (local council), and a separate executive body is organized to carry out administrative affairs.
The local council serves as the representative institution of the residents, and is composed of elected council members. It is the highest decision-making body that determines the policies of the local government and oversees its executive branch.
Accordingly, the council, representing the residents, enacts, amends, and repeals ordinances; deliberates and approves budgets and settlements; and conducts administrative audits to supervise and review the executive branch. Through these functions, the council protects residents’ opinions and rights, ensures indirect participation in administration, and fulfills the responsibility of promoting regional development and improving the welfare of residents.
