TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Chiayi City Government on Monday approved a plan to give every resident NT$6,000 (US$185) in cash and said it would send a supplementary budget proposal to the city council for review on Tuesday.

According to the local government, the city has kept tight control of its finances by avoiding new debt for 15 years and keeping public debt at zero for seven years. The NT$6,000 handout will come from surplus funds, so the city will not need new borrowing and construction work will continue as planned.

Mayor Huang Min-hui (黃敏惠) encouraged people to take the cash and spend it in local shops. Huang said the city hopes the move will help businesses pull in more sales and keep the economy moving.

The mayor also noted that the plan comes with several related programs that aim to draw tourists, boost night markets, and help business districts pick up foot traffic. She said the city hopes these efforts will help families, workers, and shop owners stay steady.

Chiayi, which relies heavily on the service sector, gave out NT$2,000 (US$62) in 2021 and successfully pushed up business sales. The city said the NT$6,000 cash handout aims to build on that momentum.