Monday, July 22, 2024/// DYCA PIO
Yap, FSM— The Committee of Finance of the 11th Legislature of the State of Yap held two public hearings on Yap State’s 2025 Fiscal Year Comprehensive Budget last week, July 18th, 2024, at the Legislature Chamber. The hearing was pertaining to Gov. Comm. No. 11-249 regarding FY2025 Proposed Budget for the Yap State Government for the Office of the Planning & Budget (OPB) at 10am and for the Office of Attorney General (OAG) at 1pm. The hearing, which included Honorable Speaker Nicholas Figirlaarwon, Honorable Vice Speaker Theodore Rutun, Chairman of Finance Senator Pius Talimeisei, Vice-Chairman of Finance Senator Ann-Marie Laamar, Vice Chairman of Government Health and Welfare Senator Gabriel Ramoloilug, Legislative staff, and Chief of Budget from Office of Planning and Budget, focused on evaluating the proposed budget and addressing key concerns and clarifications.
For OPB, the initial budget proposal was $312,099, while the Executive Budget Review Committee (EBRC) recommended $308,080. Key discussion in the public hearing included the need for an economist and realistic figures for attracting a potential economist for Yap State, the increase in communications costs due to the OPB paying for three lines (with the Legislature recommending reducing it to one line), a new computer requested for the new Director of the OPB, and additional computers requested for replacement and employee use. Issues regarding the warranty of fixed assets and the standard procedures for damaged fixed assets were also raised. The Legislature recommended that the OPB host a workshop to address new changes and standard procedures. The Office of Planning and Budget provided justifications for the proposed budget elements, and the Legislature deliberated on actions for certain budget aspects. The review aimed to ensure clarity and address concerns and comments from both sides.
For the Attorney General Office, the initial budget proposal of $2,099,148 was reduced by the EBRC to $1,027,018, marking the first time the Attorney General’s Office budget has exceeded $1 million. Discussions highlighted discrepancies between proposed and actual received salaries, with clarifications sought on current salaries and the qualifications required for higher salaries. The issue of 24 vacancies within the department was also raised, emphasizing the need for timely recruitment to ensure state protection and effective law enforcement. New positions, including those in human trafficking, cybercrime, and special unit branches, were discussed, noting that funding limitations are delaying recruitment for these critical roles. The budget for law and litigation saw an increase to cover new requests such as office furniture and vehicle needs. The need for an approved pay scale was highlighted to ensure proper salary adjustments, with a particular focus on police officers, nurses, and classroom teachers who are not under the PSS and should receive their salary increases as approved in the 2024 budget. Recommendations included filling existing vacancies before creating new positions and ensuring that personnel actions for salary adjustments are promptly processed. The hearing provided an opportunity for thorough discussion and examination of the budget to ensure that the Attorney General’s Office can effectively serve the state’s needs.
(For more information, please contact YSL at (691)350-2400 or DYCA PIO at 350-2168. Thank you.)
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