Budget Crisis Looms as Key Positions Remain Unfilled

During a recent fiscal affairs committee meeting, the Department of Finance presented its budget request for the fiscal year 2025, highlighting urgent staffing needs and operational challenges. Resident Department Head Melissa Mendiola emphasized the necessity of filling several long-vacant positions, including an administrative officer and a revenue technician, which have faced significant delays in the hiring process due to bureaucratic routing and certification requirements.

Mendiola noted that the eligible lists for these positions were only received months after their announcement, leading to their removal from the governor's budget proposal. The hiring process for selected candidates has been completed, but concerns remain about the temporary nature of the positions, which are only guaranteed until September 30, 2024, unless reinstated in the upcoming budget.

Additionally, the Division of Procurement Services has struggled to attract applicants for a supply technician position, further complicating the department's operational capabilities. Mendiola stressed that the responsibilities of these roles are currently being managed by an employee from the mayor's office through a memorandum of agreement, which is not a sustainable solution.

The meeting also addressed the need for four additional full-time equivalents (FTEs) for the Division of Customs and Biosecurity, citing increased workloads due to construction and military operations related to the direct airfield project. Mendiola underscored the critical role of customs inspectors in safeguarding the island's ecosystem from invasive species and ensuring thorough inspections of incoming goods.

In light of the current financial constraints facing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Mendiola acknowledged that salary adjustments proposed in a previous audit may not be feasible at this time but expressed the importance of documenting these needs for future consideration. The department also seeks funding for essential operational expenses, including fuel and office supplies, which have been challenging to manage without allocated resources for FY 2024.