THE 14-day temporary government shutdown due to a spike in the Covid-19 community transmission in December caused a “momentary delay” in completing the expenditure report for fiscal year 2021, Finance Secretary David DLG Atalig told the Legislature.
In his letter to Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez and Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider, Atalig recognizes the governor’s duty to submit to the Legislature, pursuant to 1 CMC Section 7209, Review of Expenditures, an itemized comparison of amounts appropriated and amounts obligated and expended during previous fiscal year, and revenues identified and revenues collected during the previous fiscal year.
However, Atalig added, because of “the recent 14-day temporary government shutdown, and the staffing limitations of our department as a result of essential members of the department being contact-traced and required to isolate, the department anticipates [a] delayed submission of the report.”
But Atalig said his department, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, “is working diligently to accelerate all efforts to ensure the submission of the report for fiscal year 2021.”
He said the “momentary delay” in submitting the report will give Finance the opportunity to ensure an accurate representation of the financial activities within FY 2021.
He also told Villagomez and Hofschneider that this past fiscal year “provided a range of challenges and opportunities for the CNMI.”
While the Commonwealth continued its efforts to remain safe amidst the global pandemic, “we were also provided needed financial relief to respond and recover,” he said referring to the federal government’s financial aid.
“This unprecedented surge in funding assistance,” Atalig said “presented new responsibilities on the part of Finance staff to track and monitor the expenditure and accounting of these funds.”
“In light of these increased tasks, and with staffing limitations resulting from the pandemic, your understanding for this momentary delay is most appreciated,” Atalig told the presiding officers of the Legislature.
He promised that the FY 2021 expenditure report will be submitted anytime soon, this month.
David DLG Atalig
