From delayed projects to fewer staff: What the proposed budget cuts mean to Guam agencies
Budget shortfalls could mean holding off government facility repairs and projects, no salary increments and fewer staff. For some agencies, it could mean delays in paying for overtime or not having funds to pay for trash collection.
• Department of Corrections Director Samantha J. Brennan said the $873,303 difference between the budget bill and the governor's request will have an impact on salaries and overtime.
• The Department of Agriculture's budget in the bill is some $700,000 lower than the governor's request, and could force the agency to cut trash service payments and not hire animal control and conservation officers, Director Chelsea Muña-Brecht said.
• The Bureau of Statistics and Plans won't be able to hire a chief economist if the bill becomes law, Director Tyrone J. Taitano said.
That was part of the testimony received by the Legislature's appropriations committee, chaired by Sen. Joe San Agustin. San Agustin said his budget bill is up for another revision.
Delayed repairs
The Guam Public Library System would have to delay repairs and modifications at six facilities required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, acting Director R. Arlene Santos said.
Guam Memorial Hospital Authority Administrator Lillian Perez-Posadas said the budget bill doesn't provide funding for capital improvement projects.
Read more: https://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2019/08/08/agencies-budget-cuts-mean-no-repairs-fewer-staff/1941286001/
(Guam Pacific Daily News)
