HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — As the chair of the Guam Education Board understands, the Guam Department of Education has a $1 million outstanding water bill for George Washington High School. But in the latest financial report, it was not reported. The chair questioned why.
“Have we received the bill? What is the total bill for (the Guam Waterworks Authority), and why is it not showing on here?” GEB Chair Mary Okada asked during the last board meeting.
Frank Cooper-Nurse, former acting deputy of finance, said he needed to verify.
“I think that I have to verify the date of the invoice and the receipt of the invoice. I am aware of the concern. I have been in communication with the (chief financial officer) from GWA. During my conversations with the CFO, we are in the process of discussion in making sure that the billing is accurate,” Cooper-Nurse reported to the board.
According to Cooper-Nurse, the former GDOE facilities and maintenance manager did conduct an assessment with GWA at the school.
“I think there’s some photos and videos that have been recorded. I know I do have a picture and a video of the meter that was recorded by Phil Toves. I have been in conversations with him, so we are trying to work with GWA on the validity and accuracy of the invoice for the million dollars,” Cooper-Nurse said.
“I don’t know how far back the billing goes, which is really questionable because (it’s) a million-dollar water leak again,” Cooper-Nurse said.
At this time, GDOE is only paying GWA for the current bill, not including the $1 million questionable charge.
“Then we reserve the liabilities. I believe that the current (bill) has always been federally funded. This billing is up for discussion and working with GWA on validity and accuracy,” Cooper-Nurse said. “We do have to have a resolution and right now, the department is being conservative and reserving for the $1 million. Again, we don’t want to pay for something that we can go ahead and negotiate with them or make sure that the actual billing was accurate.”
Okada asked that an update be provided at the next board meeting on Dec. 19.
George Washington High School is seen Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, in Mangilao. David Castro/The Guam Daily Post
