The Vitality and Well-being Committee convened on September 20.11.2025, XNUMX

The Vitality and Wellbeing Committee convened on November 20, 2025 at the Summa Village and Cultural Center. The meeting discussed the Vitality and Wellbeing Committee's third interim report for 2025. The interim report presents a few changes to appropriations, such as transfers of project funds, reductions in estimated revenues, and reductions in the appropriations allocated to development projects.

The meeting also discussed the budget of the Vitality and Wellbeing Committee for 2026. After the committee's approval, the committee's budget will be submitted to the City Board and Council for approval. In accordance with the City Board's instructions, the Vitality and Wellbeing sector has sought to find savings in all profit centers by reducing or changing operations and cutting back on purchases. Due to the general economic situation, costs continue to rise. The budget also includes planning years and it is worth noting that the planning years 2027-2028 are not binding. The planning years have been planned to purchase services and materials, as well as goods and supplies, where possible. Radical alternatives have included centralizing operations, cutting grants and participatory budgeting, and intensifying event activities.

In addition, the Vitality and Wellbeing Committee decided in its meeting that the Hamina Peace Monument, which was damaged as a result of vandalism, will be replaced with a new stone monument. The Hamina Peace Monument is located at the southern end of the Town Hall.

The meeting also decided, among other things, on the meeting schedule for 2026, the additional use plan for the Welfare Promotion Fund, and the approval of the report submitted for one council initiative. The council initiative concerns the development of conditions for archipelago traffic and nature tourism. In addition, the committee noted the report of the South Kymenlaakso integration program for the years 2023-2024 as brought to its attention.