Money earmarked to settle debts of Saipan Mayor's Office

Saipan lawmakers yesterday approved appropriation from revenues collected from bingo, batu and cockfight fees to pay for debts incurred by the Mayor’s Office during last year’s celebration of Liberation Day.

It is not known, however, whether the $171,700 identified by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation will be used entirely for these expenses or current obligations during this year’s traditional July 4 festivities.

If signed into law, the appropriation bill, offered by Rep. Jesus T. Attao, will also be used to purchase parts, equipment rental fees and heavy equipment for the office of Mayor Jose C. Sablan.

The money will also be earmarked for fuel and lubrication, a phone system for the new heavy equipment field operation office of the mayor’s office at Lower Base, replacement for Mr. Sablan’s cellular phone, vehicle lease, repair and maintenance.

The measure will provide reprogramming authority to the mayor based on the needs of his office.

SNILD also passed another bill setting aside $78,100 in new fees collected from the bingo and cockfight operations on the island for various needs of the municipality.

The Saipan mayor’s office has been experiencing budget shortfall in recent months because of the cut imposed by the Tenorio administration.

A civil suit is pending in the Superior Court against the mayor’s office filed by Joeten Motors demanding payment for a car that was raffled off during the 1999 Liberation Day celebration.