[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6529032,"mediaKeyId","3847399-756d7c0fde2636c8bd40808de1f1b851","parentId",3847399,"title","Tinian DCCA asks for utilities, supplies and staff support as federal grants cover some positions","audioSeconds",1558,"startMs",6498555,"endMs",8056825,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847399-756d7c0fde2636c8bd40808de1f1b851&start=6498&end=8056","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847399-756d7c0fde2636c8bd40808de1f1b851/thumbnail_6498555.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6529032/Tinian-DCCA-asks-for-utilities-supplies-and-staff-support-as-federal-grants-cover-some-positions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529032-a56300c41f6d5a4d75f4dddc6b516919/orig.mp4?Expires=1775097990&Signature=MpQToMuSxgJw~lkym5wyLGi~T179hoPLsNfPxxgEYIO~oP8eRKMYQwjHI4lvkSSEsPWpzVX2CTCkzlySTl~M-UhoxCL19zZWGebWmiLzd8cb1NN5fX-zH0dQQ3jXieAdhPEIfsozJRbAmoJZ5rNlR4lNWImWVPZq~oPhHAUn6GvTmc59kVp4~lZC7~T0JYcOssalYjiypH9fwK6liPOIbttxMSZcDt8PtkLwitb5uzkbbybmXrWxGFcsWxfEUTOooA4MifEVVAaLt1Pf17Tizo8V~6-ap6mQyUgjKMjOQyNBg7G8QagQuT83s3HcalGWJjrsF10D6C2pCpqHQ~BMYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","House - Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature","date","2025-06-16T13:25:55Z","article","Rochelle Regis, representing the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs (DCCA) on Tinian, told the Committee on Ways and Means that DCCA divisions — including the Office on Aging, Historic Preservation Office (HPO), youth services and sports and recreation — need operating funds for utilities, supplies, vehicle maintenance and staff.

“Our primary concerns are securing sufficient funding for current FTEs at 80 hours, utilities, essential office and operational supplies, repairs and maintenance, most especially for our quarterly maintenance of vehicles, fuel, and communications,” Regis said in her opening remarks.

Regis and committee members noted that some positions and programs are funded by federal grants: the HPO has one employee paid by federal funds, the youth services program has two federally funded staff, and Title V aging positions also provide several federally funded slots. Regis said DCCA offices are in several locations (HPO, sports and recreation, aging) and that utilities for some offices have been paid by the mayor’s office or through Department of Public Works support in the past; she reported that DCCA’s total outstanding utility balance was $40,889 and that $24,241.52 of that was currently in dispute and being processed.

Committee members and DCCA staff discussed the Office on Aging operations: the department reported 36 homebound clients, 38 active clients and three caregivers; the aging program receives food supplies from Saipan under a federal aging program and also uses local vendors. Staff said the aging kitchen employs cooks (one position converted from an administrative assistant to a cook in the local worksheet) and that food‑handler training and certifications are budgeted under dues and subscriptions.

Members also raised vehicle and boat needs for HPO and youth services; committee members suggested coordinating with the hospital and other agencies for transport and to confirm available federal grants (for example, boating safety grants noted by a member). Regis closed by emphasizing fiscal prudence and reliance on mayoral support and the delegation for past assistance.

Ending: The committee requested further documentation on federal fund coverage, utility disputes and vacancy status; no appropriation or vote was recorded during the hearing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","250616 24th NMCL HoR W&M Public Hearing 2:00 p.m.","oneSentenceSummary","Representatives of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs on Tinian asked the committee to fund utilities, supplies, repairs and staff positions for local DCCA programs; the office said some staff and program costs are covered by federal grants such as Title V and HPO.","taxTitle","House, Northern Mariana Legislative Sessions, Northern Mariana Islands","taxId",20281,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6529035,"DLNR Tinian seeks more repairs, fuel and local control of military leaseback money; requests boat for patrols",2764,2554255,5318895,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847399-756d7c0fde2636c8bd40808de1f1b851&start=2554&end=5318","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847399-756d7c0fde2636c8bd40808de1f1b851/thumbnail_2554255.jpg","/articles/6529035/DLNR-Tinian-seeks-more-repairs-fuel-and-local-control-of-military-leaseback-money-requests-boat-for-patrols","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529035-b51e3b8b00e3de9719191ea4eaf5e170/orig.mp4?Expires=1775097991&Signature=fZdB7SJXCXvmSqloXX1p0k51FYH7ylHSy55yM7Rpil20z2sd24P6eHoEzhHJrR2jyX6~mNkvYteEoSiEP2lDbC4smafCpUvG-5od2IWcr~~daWls0hJ9R9sdnKS9gRjEPqc8~J00dzfeXEWom9Z0y4zMRRe30mayWAiyyvv0EVac5VM13YfHncNyLdGhbv-Kk8EQ9BZgLFz4DPK6Dx5VcWwTu7qDsaZV8CFqRnTPLzlAMx4Ren8rEFm2NYqi2cLbY2XjkYuxR5z7pyAwQj84gnjP7PpJkjXWhNebjkfCB1ppjiSggIaJt1Uscf-2qKSLChUkl32DPTjEbXgoWcinhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ardi Borja, resident director for the Department of Lands and Natural Resources on Tinian, told the Committee on Ways and Means that the department needs operating funds for fuel, equipment repairs and patrols and that current revolving accounts generate minimal revenue.

“We got the Fish and Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, the agriculture side. Yes. So and even the heavy equipment operation, we handle those. And we bought that critical area there. I think we won't be able to function anything at all, do, any service to the public,” Borja said, describing equipment and fuel shortfalls for mowing, ranching and other services.

Borja asked the committee to look at repair and maintenance lines that had been zeroed out and pointed to several requested amounts the department seeks for FY26: repair and maintenance for agriculture ($50,000 requested in the worksheet), fuel and lubrication (a requested $20,000 for agriculture operations) and $30,000 requested elsewhere for fuel and lubrication across DLNR divisions. Borja also said DLNR divisions operate three small revolving funds with low receipts — the agriculture equipment fund typically brings in $2,000–$3,000 per year, the cattle‑slaughter account brings in about $100 per year, and fish and wildlife licensing yields $500–$600 per year.

Borja told the committee that military leaseback funding earmarked for local patrols had been split: $250,000 was announced, with $100,000 designated for Tinian and $150,000 retained on Saipan. Borja said spending authority and procurement control remained with Saipan, leaving Tinian staff without direct authority to obligate or spend the local share. He asked the committee to press Saipan to give Tinian at least one boat so local staff can patrol waters and respond to reports of illegal landings.

“We need a boat,” Borja said. “We don't have a boat to come over here and pick up our personnel and go down and check those people.”

Committee members asked about revenue generation from equipment rentals; witnesses said DLNR charges $12 an hour for government equipment but private contractors can charge $35 an hour. Members urged DLNR to consider raising fees and better accounting for equipment use to increase sustainability. Members also asked for inventories and clarified that a substantial portion of the reported $250,000 military leaseback grant would remain controlled by Saipan.

Ending: The committee did not take formal action on DLNR requests during this session. Members noted the need to reconcile Saipan‑held funds and local spending authority and said they would follow up with the central office and the delegation on the boat and leaseback monies.","The Tinian office of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources told lawmakers it needs funds for equipment repairs, fuel and to patrol the military leaseback area — and said $250,000 in military‑leaseback funds was routed to Saipan with limited local spending authority.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6529040,"Tinian Department of Labor flags communications and utilities as critical needs as mayor currently covers rent",1079,1358960,2438240,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847399-756d7c0fde2636c8bd40808de1f1b851&start=1358&end=2438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847399-756d7c0fde2636c8bd40808de1f1b851/thumbnail_1358960.jpg","/articles/6529040/Tinian-Department-of-Labor-flags-communications-and-utilities-as-critical-needs-as-mayor-currently-covers-rent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529040-5678e7c0964860f82b75ee5a167d0737/orig.mp4?Expires=1775097991&Signature=UOqBiwev8dspLcTBs2fOxUppyUIKQ27oI5cPE0VXa9xXfjnUOfFTMM1e3wlaYRNZccG3ZD4zZ6dytL253ZmqTkAKqTZ71NjGVsMpmXz9Pz7-fZAiJmRedL9z3EioOXQE6EIhrhGd7-QI2zplcpSdqKqUtwDxcRhbOuEUTzJCTvPU3FDFs7RX7XD1frW~MDyQwBdwJs8dsbaGTtFi0vhH59MQ49VxvtLyhbsBDEJmBBHF3YgCznkHYgEX8dP9QjP9W86gENI-rwD2PR88W5~8SV2OrIxL0acMECAaIG8pUhlGRyouQghPHoOSUA8kxdNfx1Q-VNMY4e8~lbGIpX2Imw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Department of Labor representative told the Committee on Ways and Means that communications and utilities are critical operating costs and asked the committee to fund those lines in the fiscal 2026 budget submission.

“We are requesting $2,000 for the entire fiscal year to pay for these services,” the resident director said when describing the department’s communications request. He identified utilities as another critical item and requested $4,005 to service three prepaid accounts for the year.

The Labor representative said the department’s office has been located in the same building as the mayor’s office and that rent — $1,000 a month, he said — and utilities were paid this fiscal year by a federal workforce program (WEA/WIA) or by the mayor’s office. The representative warned the committee that the WEA payment will stop on Sept. 30 and said he planned to meet the secretary of labor to determine whether federal funds will again cover the items in the next fiscal year.

Committee members urged the department to leverage federal funds where available and to work with the municipality to avoid duplicative local appropriations. The vice chair pointed out that if federal grants will cover rent or communications, local funds could be reallocated to other operational shortfalls.

The Labor representative listed eight operational line items in the department’s submission, and emphasized communications and utilities as “critical” because loss of phone or Internet service had occurred in the recent past. He told the committee that if the requested $2,000 for communications is not fully used, unused funds would return to government coffers.

Ending: No formal appropriation or vote occurred during this hearing. Committee members requested follow‑up on whether federal funds will cover rent and utilities in FY26 so the legislature can prioritize limited local funds.","The Department of Labor told the Committee on Ways and Means it needs recurring funding for communications, utilities and other basic operations after the mayor’s office and federal programs temporarily covered those costs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6529044,"Tinian commerce office asks legislature to fund rental, communications and fuel to protect tobacco‑program accounts",1225,82550,1307760,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3847399-756d7c0fde2636c8bd40808de1f1b851&start=82&end=1307","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3847399-756d7c0fde2636c8bd40808de1f1b851/thumbnail_82550.jpg","/articles/6529044/Tinian-commerce-office-asks-legislature-to-fund-rental-communications-and-fuel-to-protect-tobaccoprogram-accounts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6529044-7c471fdb29401627b336b1a5bb24e2c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775097991&Signature=caSb-rAWPCoIh13jmMoK47KCHAvrdqPTXrMpAz7XasbuI0rb4a2PAdT6mJ7rP~tWz5~~aNXdX2skpvafpM9qmJnjkGhdoAt2fm2DCTy4waCyp0Jnr7ZK-q33s6vU9ayV3OCwtuLKLPpvfxOV-esSAr8h~tyvc5XwaftfauHUyYpQoHgW77QDS0Fd04SL0x7E7RctmlXAldBV~IMbAb~4gpjEYaEWlfISZBk8KDwc9WBnrcc0iQb-8Ts0hcpfE1PEbatmQmipkblhYH568YSfwmJcG4NHyBb-LyZrFfjsmQpyQYXB2D1vLolJvTfEYaEJurpO-gIR-hz~3ffP1t1kmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Susan Perez, resident department head for the Department of Commerce on Tinian, told the Committee on Ways and Means that her office needs the legislature to fund its most essential operating expenses in the general account so tobacco‑settlement funds can be used for an anti‑tobacco training program.

“We currently use my revolving fund account of approximately 9,000 per year to pay utilities,” Perez said. “I would like to request that my office rental, communication, and fuel be funded in my general account in the amount of 24,400 to allow for tobacco settlement funds to use for continued ABDC training program.”

Perez told the committee she has seven funded full‑time employees in fiscal 2025, and that two of those positions are currently paid from tobacco settlement funds. She thanked the governor and OMB for including those two FTEs in the governor’s submission and said shifting operating costs into the general account would secure payroll and free the settlement funds for public‑health programming.

Committee members pressed for details. The committee identified a rental request of $15,600 for office space on Tinian; Perez said that rent has been paid by the mayor’s office under the tobacco settlement fund but the department now wants the rent moved into the department’s general operating line to “secure” the expense and relieve pressure on the revolving account. Perez said her department’s revolving account is funded by licensing fees tied to tobacco, alcohol and other licenses and currently totals about $9,000 a year.

Representative TJ Mangonia and others asked whether central government offices (for example, the Commerce secretary on Saipan) cover training or travel costs; Perez said the central office has included Tinian staff in trainings and covered uniforms and related costs for trainings held in Saipan.

Members also asked about fringe‑benefit variances and whether staff participate in retirement plans. Perez said two employees were enrolled in the 401(k) DC plan and the remainder were on Social Security only.

Perez closed by repeating her request that operating items — rental, communications and fuel — be funded in the Department of Commerce general account so tobacco‑settlement funds can remain dedicated to the anti‑tobacco ABDC program and related training. “Hopefully whatever request that I put in on my testimony will be granted,” she said.

Ending: The committee did not adopt any formal action on the request during the session. Members indicated they would consider the department’s explanation of revolving‑fund pressure and the mayor’s current use of settlement funds when reviewing the overall municipal budget submission.","The Department of Commerce’s Tinian office asked the Committee on Ways and Means to move routine operating costs — office rent, communications and fuel — into its general account so tobacco‑settlement funds can continue to support anti‑tobacco programming and training.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tinian DCCA asks for utilities, supplies and staff support as federal grants cover some positions

DLNR Tinian seeks more repairs, fuel and local control of military leaseback money; requests boat for patrols

Tinian Department of Labor flags communications and utilities as critical needs as mayor currently covers rent

Tinian commerce office asks legislature to fund rental, communications and fuel to protect tobacco‑program accounts