In an interview on Friday, Dela Cruz said the Tinian leadership and the gaming commissioners were supposed to meet last week but due to an important family affair that one of the key officials needed to attend, the meeting will be held early this week instead.
Dela Cruz said both parties are thinking of implementing a 20 percent cut in the work-hours of the employees and officials of the municipal government and the gaming commission, “at least for now.”
The paycut is not really that much, the mayor said, but he knows it is going to affect some people.
“We need to do it in order to survive during these difficult times,” he said.
According to Dela Cruz, “it is important for everybody to realize it’s time to make a sacrifice.”
That’s what he told the five gaming commissioners, who each get some $100,000 a year in salary and benefits.
The mayor said he already prepared his own recommendations on how much of the municipal revenue should go to payroll, public programs and other governmental services.
But, he added, the Tinian legislative delegation and municipal council must approve the cost-cutting measures.
Dela Cruz said he is optimistic that the gaming commission will agree to a 20 percent cut.
Otherwise, he added, there will be a government shutdown every Friday.
“We have to be creative in cost-cutting measures. I have faith in the legislative delegation to come up with a solution to these problems,” he said.
