[{"_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",6587312,"mediaKeyId","5611850-2c518b6ee4802d669e4b0ca6fafca142","parentId",5611850,"title","Rota resident urges passage of retirement bill, asks tobacco fund amendment to assist medical referrals","audioSeconds",165,"startMs",883654,"endMs",1049285,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611850-2c518b6ee4802d669e4b0ca6fafca142&start=883&end=1049","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611850-2c518b6ee4802d669e4b0ca6fafca142/thumbnail_883654.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6587312/Rota-resident-urges-passage-of-retirement-bill-asks-tobacco-fund-amendment-to-assist-medical-referrals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587312-c224eb6478ce903379362b26d72885a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796718&Signature=UdPWv4hwmdl8qqYiliiyluLPWVpg4MlJ49kApBVolB5qoDdp8TQ4CqssfSZ0Xq00tC87~6Caau7zq-Bnh1I-SOLsd2TqDsWe88u~WqCeGscFShHtTIaV1uU1hAuDFYNZtK-5ZxfJn2baYflK41QIO9LSNwPJQI6iglIIv-KokIFp3X5IIhilKbY1BpR9OX6SfeR5gK~L9FfpJ1duiPUXtGmf~ifLOPK2vgabKTa8N7tY6dcpvaRNpAbgQEXaHcWBM64ra6HSs85tFJWIdFmXyFGjbGt-0QeLmZrFZBKcmVyR-yCFZ1EMncqFhLi~8FYIgVep2sleEmO~U43LjUOMeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Senate - Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature","date","2025-08-21T07:14:55.777Z","article","During the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee's public comment period in Rota, Rodney Taisken addressed senators and asked for support on two items: a retirement proposal and a change to the tobacco‑settlement fund distribution.

Taisken spoke in support of \"Senate Bill 24‑1\" related to retirement, saying it would \"help reduce our budget\" and enable people to retire. He also urged that the committee consider public outreach to educate government employees about retirement benefits.

Taisken then asked lawmakers to revisit Public Law 13‑37 (the tobacco fund law). He said that under current law a large share (he referenced 40%) goes to CHCC and other divisions and asked that the committee consider reducing that 40% and dedicating at least 15% to medical referrals for patients from Rota — particularly for cancer and other cases that require off‑island care. \"It's very hard for the family, most especially going off island,\" he said, asking that the law be amended so the referral program can better help patients who must travel for care.

The senator chair acknowledged the request and said the committee would announce public outreach opportunities concerning the listed budget items.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","250821 24th NMCL FA [1:30pm]","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment at the Rota budget hearing, resident Rodney Taisken urged support for Senate Bill 24‑1 on retirement benefits and asked lawmakers to amend Public Law 13‑37 so a portion of the tobacco fund helps medical referrals for Rota and Tinian patients.","taxTitle","Senate, Northern Mariana Legislative Sessions, Northern Mariana Islands","taxId",20282,"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},6587317,"Rota finance director seeks promotions, staff and funding as customs and biosecurity report shortages",3393,8968671,12362436,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611850-2c518b6ee4802d669e4b0ca6fafca142&start=8968&end=12362","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611850-2c518b6ee4802d669e4b0ca6fafca142/thumbnail_8968671.jpg","/articles/6587317/Rota-finance-director-seeks-promotions-staff-and-funding-as-customs-and-biosecurity-report-shortages","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587317-275aff04701496526a88fc0898dae9cf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796718&Signature=aAAUJEbT9sJZSrTd1J2s2~JIdwWxnBKnS8bfsFo3ouRIBU3zJi2pTBMY4O3Yllni04rP5R4s4Dv6mbLWoavPhB-3FnElN~dcT8gAgFKwsNuug9Mj8gDHlVgcOBuuC1xpvHuar7aU2wWf2tD5WbtdHiQSWDzYZ3r1KA92MSOyLc2eNNm-zWPYym8CVFkx92RomegiXGfrS62XRQNoVzFCYQU9KBI7e8weo3tpxrTeeX1~d8~Yno6sB5wEVO8~hU5FkZ4yUoTNeyBC5tI8dtN7-CrwRhrJtP38XXIcIoxoufhxVZKdq1tAaRew3Y6sp7hfMIeHsiHfjqwY3KSSUybZEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rota Resident Director of Finance Avery Calvo told the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee that Finance and Customs/Biosecurity divisions need additional staff, promotions and operational resources to serve taxpayers and inspect arrivals at Rota's ports.

Calvo described multiple staffing and facility shortfalls: treasury has no dedicated staff in Rota's local treasury branch, customs and biosecurity face four vacancies (including a vacant Agriculture Inspector 3 post the director called critical), and the department lacks a secure, permanent office that meets confidentiality expectations for tax and revenue operations. \"To me, if I was an investor or a business owner, that does not reflect stability for me,\" Calvo said when describing the department's temporary, wood‑frame workspace.

Why it matters: Finance and Customs/Biosecurity perform revenue collection, inspections and CIQ (customs/immigration/quarantine) functions; Calvo said insufficient staffing and equipment reduce capacity to inspect cargo and passengers, which in turn creates risk for contraband and narcotics entry.

Key points from Calvo's testimony and committee discussion:
- Promotions and wage adjustments: Calvo said some promotions (for example, supply specialist 1 and a revenue enforcement officer) were approved, but managers and other long‑serving staff need WGI (wage grade increment) adjustments; she estimated fully funding certain WGIs would cost approximately $30,000.
- Treasury staffing: the Rota treasury branch operates with little or no dedicated staff; Calvo seeks additional account clerk positions and a manager to run local treasury operations.
- Customs & Biosecurity: Calvo said each port often operates with a single biosecurity or customs inspector and that inspectors routinely cover additional duties when staff take leave; she asked that vacant inspector positions not be zeroed out and requested funding for vehicles, overtime and personal protective equipment (bulletproof vests) for inspectors who are armed.
- Overtime, CIQ and inter‑island operations: Calvo explained that overtime funding is necessary for inspectors when vessels and flights arrive outside regular hours; she noted that sometimes costs are covered informally by the mayor or municipal funds and urged a more consistent funding mechanism.

Direct quote: \"The Department of Finance, we are so tight with our money. So tight to the point that in our budget request, you do not see any operational requests for office consumables. We do not ask for things like personal consumables. We really ask for the bare minimum of what these people need to do their jobs,\" Calvo said.

Calvo and senators discussed possible streams to support port operations, including customs revenue accounts and specific CIQ or user‑fee lines that could be retained for local use; the committee urged Calvo to coordinate with the Secretary of Finance, OMB and the delegation to identify available revolving funds and to supply a prioritized list of vacancies and operating requests for FY2026 reconciliation.

","Rota's resident Finance Director Avery Calvo asked senators for targeted promotions, additional treasury staff and funds for customs and biosecurity. Calvo warned staffing gaps at ports increase contraband and narcotics risk and said Finance operates with a minimal operational budget and constrained office space.",{"_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},6587321,"Rota public safety officials cite manpower, vehicle and communications shortfalls",279,5749800,6029430,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611850-2c518b6ee4802d669e4b0ca6fafca142&start=5749&end=6029","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611850-2c518b6ee4802d669e4b0ca6fafca142/thumbnail_5749800.jpg","/articles/6587321/Rota-public-safety-officials-cite-manpower-vehicle-and-communications-shortfalls","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587321-d6985482f333c6f67febad6d0bd42bda/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796718&Signature=P7BSvCIuZ2XFdqUUkZOfl0OhfXDmVLUyzhAS2FpWWmvjF7rMfBhBjL3FyFObioRT-SYFNnTo64J91buMY6lsRMahqJH9KE09eaDjLU2R8A4LlG3UcWtqyCFXQGOkwXgrXqA9Q0alhyj0fpySM4vDAzJcBr2DAtoUWwNiYaxXMnpDCgJKnnsJzDIoVcdNYbOiZBgjyesf0TXrPFYQhNj3Zccu1WyUSw80I3V6dkQDBLPns5NfzygtDnCSF7H-4xkRSbaC80qlyfVmgixyKqA3KQQZWyZdctv~c~OuBSkIMJutn~heSNWMN03~DG8t1uZaXYQDyl7G4K3OUeYQ3I5G~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rota Department of Public Safety Captain Noel M. Kauvo told senators the department is understaffed, stretched thin and missing critical equipment needed for routine patrols and emergency response.

At a Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee budget hearing in Rota, Captain Kauvo read testimony from the department director describing the manpower shortage as the agency's \"biggest challenge.\" Kauvo told the committee the department currently has about 30 active officers and six administrative staff — 36 positions — while the House budget included 47 FTEs for the island's DPS. \"The workforce we have is stretched thin, wearing so many different hats in response to the needs of the community,\" the captain said.

Why it matters: the shortages affect response times, routine patrol presence and long‑term officer safety. Kauvo urged funding for vehicles that can travel remote roads, stable fuel allocations, better communications equipment (the department currently relies on personal cell phones in some zones) and regular training and recertification.

Details presented and questions from senators:
- Staffing and hiring: Kauvo said several PO‑1 and PO‑3 positions have been announced or routed with the aim of increasing ranks; some conversions of lower‑rank posts to PO‑3 were in process.
- Vehicles: DPS requested four all‑terrain or otherwise reliable vehicles to reach rugged areas; two of the department's four patrol vehicles are currently not serviceable and repairs often require sending vehicles off‑island.
- Fuel and operations: Kauvo said monthly fuel allotments are insufficient to maintain proactive patrols; officers sometimes pay for fuel out of pocket to respond to community needs.
- Communications and equipment: crews rely on personal mobile phones in zones without reliable service; Kauvo said a pushbutton radio system would shorten emergency response time.
- Detainee transport and detention costs: the department lacks a funded, consistent arrangement to transport detainees to Saipan when required; Kauvo asked for clarity on which agency should cover plane tickets, escorts and meals.
- Training and certification: Kauvo said firearms recertification and other annual training are required; the department has received some ammunition and training support from Saipan counterparts but lacks a regular training budget.

Direct quote: \"Our workforce is our greatest asset. We must ensure the need their needs are met in order to yield the best performance from them,\" Captain Kauvo said.

No formal appropriation vote occurred during the hearing. Senators discussed drafting a committee provision to specify which central agency (for example, the Department of Corrections) would fund inter‑island detainee transport and suggested the Office of Insular Affairs grant funding as a possible source for law‑enforcement operational needs.

","Rota's Department of Public Safety told the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee it is understaffed and lacks reliable vehicles, radios and funding for detainee transport and training; officials asked for four all‑terrain vehicles, steady fuel funding and support for communications.",{"_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},6587325,"Rota mayor asks Senate fiscal committee to fund staff, utilities and island projects",463,1184909,1648450,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5611850-2c518b6ee4802d669e4b0ca6fafca142&start=1184&end=1648","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5611850-2c518b6ee4802d669e4b0ca6fafca142/thumbnail_1184909.jpg","/articles/6587325/Rota-mayor-asks-Senate-fiscal-committee-to-fund-staff-utilities-and-island-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587325-d431b411cb24ccfde12e6590695e22b6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770796718&Signature=Ex5N7HRrFTpphSr2ej3njDX-mv-bqk6qlL7ckGebnVYHB7s9S4NrSIcGki8CPx1sOv-ISAm~YCPDvmFbazByev7MUXEm9tS1iPI3FbZo9Lkff91l0B4n6XhFLHIOfO6Aqws3etD~-HnG32Svh7Zb7IhkKwz6sMxPO-P7-86TVqK97u4gF8wofgRuviKzBp-Rb-Wnh9~tPp54--5WV3qLCoiH9TBMjoEl4eYxXyM6wZFLI4kOE1TtuY~1VLLvTLkGFT~trVYPLp6Y~pzQ0CqmKN~LNzw68oXUov2wwclRgn694oitbc52cC0GKnoN~w-5l3TeGlozDNXvbWBz4G-6FA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rota Mayor Aubrey Hawcook told the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee that her office needs funding to maintain personnel levels, cover utility costs and complete capital projects across the island.

At a budget hearing held in the Mayor's Office Conference Hall, Hawcook said the mayor's office is authorized 118 full‑time equivalents (FTEs), currently employs 108 and is carrying four unfunded FTEs; she asked the committee to fund the gap, estimating a shortage of about $68,209 including fringe benefits. \"I humbly ask for the support of this body to provide that funding source for our next fiscal year's budget,\" Hawcook said.

The mayor framed the request as tied to ongoing recovery and development work on Rota: FEMA public‑assistance projects related to past typhoons remain under extension requests, the Office is pursuing solar power for the municipal office building and has active capital improvement project (CIP) requests for public safety and other infrastructure. Hawcook requested authority to keep and use revolving funds flexibly for day‑to‑day needs — fuel, communications and office supplies — saying that suspension of restrictions on those accounts has enabled local programs and that continued flexibility is needed \"until we are able to find other sources of funding that can replace the stream of income.\"

Why it matters: the mayor said staffing and operational funding determine whether local departments can provide basic services — from street lighting and utility payments to maintenance of public facilities and law‑enforcement fuel. Senators asked detailed follow‑ups about FTE counts, whether vacant positions were routed for hiring, and whether the approved utility allotment was sufficient.

Details senators pressed for included:
- Staffing: Hawcook confirmed 108 active employees, with four unfunded FTEs and six positions routed for filling; the mayor said some hires were skilled labor hired directly to avoid repeated bidding and to reduce costs.
- Utilities and energy: Current utility support has been provided through central government assistance; the mayor said the office seeks a solar project to reduce building utility costs and has identified discrepancies with the utility billings that remain under review with the utility company.
- Revolving accounts: Hawcook asked the committee to \"allow flexibility and suspend all restrictions regarding all our revolving accounts\" to let expenditure authorities use revolving funds for operational expenses.
- Law enforcement support: The mayor asked the committee to consider using CIP and other funds to assist DPS and defense personnel with fuel, equipment and basic operational needs; she also said an MOU with DLNR and other central agencies is pending to assist resort maintenance and security.

Committee action: The hearing record shows the committee adopted the day's agenda earlier in the session (motion offered by Floor Leader Manglona and seconded by Legislative Secretary Cruz). No formal vote on the mayor's budget was taken during the Rota hearing; senators asked the mayor and resident department heads to submit additional follow‑up details to the committee and OMB.

Next steps: Senators told the mayor the committee would consider the requests when reconciling the House and Senate versions of the FY2026 appropriations and urged Rota officials to supply precise figures (for example, updated fuel and diesel estimates for maintenance of public assets) so the delegation and OMB can identify funding sources.

","At a Senate Fiscal Affairs hearing in Rota, Mayor Aubrey Hawcook asked senators to restore and fund full staffing, utility support and capital projects, and requested flexibility to use municipal revolving accounts for operations and law enforcement needs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rota resident urges passage of retirement bill, asks tobacco fund amendment to assist medical referrals

Rota finance director seeks promotions, staff and funding as customs and biosecurity report shortages

Rota public safety officials cite manpower, vehicle and communications shortfalls

Rota mayor asks Senate fiscal committee to fund staff, utilities and island projects