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