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MCB says budget signed but CFO vacancy slows spending-plan work
Summary
The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind reported the state budget was signed and earmarks for the agency were included; staff must complete a spending plan before funds can be used and the agency is continuing its search for a CFO after two candidates withdrew or declined.
The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind told its Statutory Advisory Board on a July meeting that the governor has signed the state budget and the agency’s requested earmarks were included, but staff cannot spend those funds until a formal spending plan is finished.
Commissioner John told members that the budget has been “loaded” into the agency’s systems and that staff will now develop a spending plan showing where money will be directed for services and personnel. He said the agency is working with fiscal partners and expects to move budgets into their final positions by September or October.
John also described staffing challenges in the agency’s fiscal unit. “We did find a CFO but they had to withdraw because of some personal situations,” he said, and added that another finalist later declined the position. He said the agency has restarted the search and that, in the meantime, he and other senior staff are more involved than usual in preparing the spending plan.
He told the board the agency’s fiscal workload is heavy at this time of year because it must close fiscal year 2024 and open fiscal year 2025. “This period of the year here from June until September is probably the most active,” he said, and noted staff are working with the comptroller’s office and Department of Health and Human Services finance colleagues for guidance.
The board discussed timing and the commissioner emphasized that some earmarked funds will require requests for response or contracts before they can be used. He said the department hopes to get spending moving by September and October, but cautioned the timing depends on completing required fiscal steps and final purchase orders.
The meeting also recorded one formal procedural action: members voted to approve the minutes of a prior meeting. The chair characterized that vote as unanimous; the transcript did not record a precise tally.
What’s next: the agency will complete the spending plan and continue recruiting for a permanent CFO; staff said they will bring more detailed earmark and spending-plan information to the board as those pieces are finalized.
