Governor tells directors to take precautions re finances

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The looming shutdown of the federal government has prompted instructions from Governor Lolo Moliga to directors to take precautionary financial measures to mitigate any adverse financial impact on ASG operations. And such steps may include a furlough of employees in federally funded departments.

Friday is the last day of a current continuing resolution to fund the federal government.  House leaders unveiled a bill yesterday that would  extend the deadline to December 21.

The governor said in a December 3 letter to directors that until such time that the shutdown is resolved,  “we will recommit ourselves to full compliance with cost containment measures”.

Lolo has suspended the payment of overtime but at the same time he said pre-approval of overtime is reaffirmed.

He said the Director of Budget, the Chief Procurement Officer and the Treasurer “shall meticulously review and scrutinize payment requests for large ticket items.”

But he identified as projects which have to be continued, the fire station, museum, road maintenance and the prison.

Lolo, who left for Hawaii last night, said federally funded agencies are to inquire with their  respective grantors the impact of the possible shutdown on their operations.

He said if the flow of funds is interrupted, the director is to submit  a plan to address the needs of the operation “which should also include the plan for a temporary furlough of employees during the duration of the shutdown.