He said his office receives hundreds of requests from members of the public and even from elected representatives of the various precincts.
In a letter to Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb, Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation chairman, regarding House Local Bill 17-33, Flores is asking for appropriation “that would support my office’s operation expenses.”
His funding request includes repairing and grading public roads in homestead subdivisions, clearing of public roadways, trimming of trees along public roads, delivery of water to areas inaccessible to the publicly owned water system and removing dead carcasses from public roads.
Flores said every day, his office performs and delivers services “very necessary” for public health, welfare and safety.
“Operating heavy equipment, transporting coral and disposing of unsafe and rotten materials are costing my office a very substantial amount of money,” he added.
He said his office is also responsible for ensuring that public parks are clean and attractive to visitors.
His office’s estimated fuel cost for one year is $30,000.
House Local Bill 17-33 appropriates $3,260,000 for the Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance program.
Of this amount, $100,000 is for SHEFA operation, $20,000 for the Saipan Little League, $20,000 for the 30th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival, $45,000 for the Saipan Zoning Office, $20,000 for the Agricultural Fair, $10,000 for the Saipan Fishing Derby and $45,000 for the Liberation Day activities.
The Saipan mayor’s current budget is $1.2 million.
