At the Mayor’s Council meeting the executive director reported two finance-related items: an EPA action and the council’s recent legislative appropriation.

The executive director said the EPA board approved a recycling revolving fund award in the amount of $1,500,000 and that the council must reconcile fiscal 2023 and 2024 records and submit required information to EPA by the end of November. She cautioned that EPA-directed funds are for contractor services tied to the recycling program, and the council is examining whether administrative costs are allowable under current law.

On separate budget matters the president summarized Public Law 37135, which signed an appropriation of $4,500,000 to the Mayor’s Council. The president reported that $3.6 million of that amount will be used for the council’s operations (salaries, rent and related expenses), leaving $900,000 available for distribution. The president asked for a motion to disperse the $900,000 equally among the 19 village governments.

A motion was made to divide the $900,000 equally (mover: mayor of Inalan; second: mayor of Manila). After a voice vote the motion carried. The council discussed timing of drawdown: the president said reconciliation is ongoing with BBMR and DOA and estimated funds could be available in the near term but could take several weeks (the executive director said she would meet with DOA and report back).

Separately, mayors pressed the executive director about the size of the recycling award relative to program collections and lapsed funds. One mayor questioned whether the islands were receiving a 'fair share' given estimated collections; the president and executive director said lapsed funds and procurement-process delays have reduced available drawdown capacity and that the $1.5M was designated for contracted services.

Formal actions recorded during the meeting included approval of the October minutes and the treasurer’s report earlier in the session.