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Commissioner explains carry‑forward for Maine IT and continuation of limited‑period positions
Summary
DACF Commissioner Clark told the Appropriations Committee that carry‑forward authority for the department's IT account would likely involve $1.5–$2 million used for cyber planning and unexpected cybersecurity events, and the committee approved continuing about a dozen limited‑period positions through Nov. 1, 2026 to avoid lapses.
Commissioner Clark (DACF) answered committee questions about Part G, carry‑forward authority for the department’s information services program and a small developmental services board account, and Part ZZ, which continues certain limited‑period positions until Nov. 1, 2026.
Clark said the broader Maine IT initiative is an approximately $15 million‑per‑year appropriation; any excess in a carry‑forward year would likely be in the $1.5–$2 million range and would be used for planning work, technology changes and responses to unexpected cybersecurity events. She said carrying a limited balance forward helps the central IT office avoid passing unanticipated charges through rates to agencies.
On the developmental services oversight and advisory board account, Clark described it as a "very small" operation with a sparse budget that has not seen recent salary adjustments for the executive director; she offered to provide the committee with a brief email summary of the exact amounts and uses for carryforward authority.
On personnel timing, Clark and staff explained Part ZZ would keep a small number (about 12) of limited‑period positions in place through Nov. 1, 2026, to avoid lapses if federal timing or implementation delays occur. Representative Dasharm asked whether those positions are tied to the federal fiscal year and the related timing considerations; staff said the extension is intended to provide a cushion so positions do not lapse while awaiting federal or programmatic timing.
The committee moved both Part G (carryforwards) and Part ZZ (continuation of limited‑period positions) and approved them by unanimous consent.
Quoted from the meeting: "The amount would be in the 1.5 million to $2 million range. The funds would be used for planning for technology changes, for responses to unexpected cyber security events," Commissioner Clark said.
