Legislature grants Mayor’s Council procurement authority up to $500,000 with certification and audit safeguards

Vice Speaker Tony Atta and supporters said Bill 1‑46(38COR) would grant the Executive Director of the Mayor’s Council of Guam statutory procurement authority to buy goods and services up to $500,000, arguing the change will speed routine purchases across 19 mayoral offices and community centers.

Atta said, “I have full confidence in the administrative staff to obtain all requisite training and certifications to carry out the provisions of this bill,” and noted that dividing a $500,000 cap across 19 mayors reduces the per‑mayor ceiling for typical small purchases.

Committee debate and amendments: Senators raised safeguards to avoid delegation without training. Senator Terlahi proffered an amendment requiring the executive director to “maintain active procurement certification in order to exercise the authority” and providing that authority “automatically revert[s] to the chief procurement officer or their designee if the requirement … is not met.” The amendment passed with broad support; Senator Barnett and others underscored the executive director’s procurement credentials and experience at Port Authority and the Legislature.

A second amendment—proposed by committee testimony from the Government Services Agency—was adopted verbally and then by voice: procurement activities under the Mayor’s Council shall “remain subject to independent review and audits conducted by the Department of Administration’s internal audit office.” Proponents said that preserves centralized review of invoices and adds transparency and oversight.

Supporters argued the authority will speed emergency response and small‑dollar purchases while preserving training and audit requirements. Senator Calvo said the measure is “a structured limited authority” that preserves oversight while giving operational flexibility. The bill also includes a financial‑disclosure requirement for the official in charge of procurement, consistent with other statutory delegations.

Outcome: As amended (certification requirement and audit oversight), the motion to place Bill 1‑46 into the third‑reading file carried with no recorded objection. The executive director Georgina Arceo (referred to in debate as “Joy Jean”) testified earlier in the public hearing, saying she and staff have completed required procurement modules.

Next steps: the bill advances to third reading and will be subject to continued oversight and quarterly reporting as described in the committee report.