More than $246,000 in legal services and $12,500 in commissioner stipends is among the debt the Guam Election Commission hopes to wipe clean. The commission last month requested an appropriation of about $371,000 for the coming fiscal year that would go toward paying debt accrued in prior years. GEC Executive Director Maria Pangelinan said she recently reached out to Sen. Rory Respicio to follow up on the request, but the senator is off island. Respicio is chairman of the committee that oversees the commission.
The commission, right now, is fine financially, Pangelinan said, adding she will try to touch base with the senator before this month’s session.
GEC is requesting $371,431 to fund outstanding obligations and also asked the Legislature for a $60,000 appropriation to pay for last weekend’s special election in Agat.
GovGuam agencies cannot use current fiscal year funds to pay for debts incurred in previous years, according to Pangelinan. Legislation must be passed and enacted to appropriate funds to the agency for paying back outstanding obligations.
A new fiscal year begins Oct. 1 of each year.
Full Article: GEC seeks funds to clear debt.