The mayor’s office has 48 full-time employee positions, but Fitial only approved 38 FTEs.
Flores said the previous budget law, P.L. 17-21, authorized his office to have 48 FTEs.
If they are not retained, the mayor said the delivery of public service to the community would greatly be affected.
“We are asking the Legislature to also look into this,” he said, referring to his budget request.
In fiscal year 2011, Flores said his office was able to save funds when it observed austerity Fridays, allowing his staff to work for 64 hours only per pay period.
“My staff sacrificed so much,” he said. “We set a very good example in saving money.”
He noted his predecessor was allowed to have 64 FTEs but when he assumed office this was reduced to 32.
It was the Legislature that agreed to his request to add 16 more FTEs, he added.
The mayor’s budget request for FY 2012 amounted to $1.2 million request for 48 personnel, but Fitial reduced this to $756,088 for 38 FTEs.
The operating expense of $352,055 was also slashed to $153,499 by the governor.
Flores said his office may adjust its operating expenses based on the priority programs but he cannot reduce personnel cost.
“They should understand that we are directly into community public service,” he added.
