BUDGET hearings began today with 2013 budget proposals submitted by the Mayors’ Council of Guam and the Guam Election Commission.
Both organizations are requesting for an increase in funds this year, which is a problem with the $43 million in cuts expected this fiscal year.
The Mayors’ Council of Guam proposed a budget of $11.588 million compared with a budget of $7.948 million from last year. The increase is due to an increase in the costs for utilities, contracting an accountant, and employee benefits. The council is also requesting additional maintenance workers and $1.4 million for capital improvement projects.
GEC
An increase in funds was also requested by the Guam Election Commission, which has to oversee the proceedings for both the general election and the primary election. A “conservative” budget of $1.47 million was presented by GEC to the Legislature.
The budget proposal reflects a 467 percent increase in costs for supplies and materials as well as a 63 percent increase in contractual service. GEC must also provide for an increase in rent by the end of September.
When asked what GEC would do if they do not receive the funds they asked for, GEC Executive Director Maria Pangelinan responded: “This is the cost. Most of the costs are mandated. I would say, ‘Speaker, Legislature, governor, and lieutenant governor, to which do you not want me to follow the law?’”
