Gov. Arnold I. Palacios signs the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriation Act as Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang looks on in the governor’s conference room on Sept. 30, 2023.
GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios on Wednesday issued Directive 2024-1, which implements additional cost-cutting measures for the executive branch.
According to the directive, Austerity Monday will continue to be observed every Monday following payday. Additionally, every Friday, government hours for departments and agencies under the executive branch will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
But on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the executive branch will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The directive also states that a department or agency will not be required to implement reduced hoursbased on these schedules “if the principal executive of a department or agency presents an expenditure plan for personnel that does not exceed the appropriation threshold” established by the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriation Act or Public Law 23-9.
Such plans must be approved by the governor after they are reviewed by the special assistant for management and budget, and the secretary of Finance.
In addition, executive branch departments and agencies may continue to modify operational schedules in order to remain open for reasons of public safety, health, and welfare of our community, provided that expenditures stay within budgetary limits, the directive stated.
If an austerity day falls on a holiday, then it will be observed on the next day following the holiday.
The austerity measures will also be applied to law enforcement by effectuating a two-hour adjustment within pay period not to exceed 84 hours per pay period for sworn police and corrections personnel and 104 hours for sworn firefighters.
As provided in the FY 2024 budget law, revolving account limitations and restrictions are suspended, and may be expended by the department or agency for fuel, communications, office supplies, and inter-island travel for training. But “all expenditures will be subject to funding availability,” the directive stated.
The governor said he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang “appreciate your cooperation and commitment to continuing to provide quality public programs and services despite these austerity measures. We are working to accelerate infrastructure projects, diversify our economy, move federal dollars through the economy and strengthen tax collection efforts, among other positive economic developments to limit the duration of these austerity measures and restore regular operations in the soonest possible time.”
