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Fitial’s 1st directive is cost-cutting measure
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Posted on Jan 18 2006
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s first ever directive aims to reduce government costs.
Fitial issued on Monday Directive No. 246 which prohibits all government agencies from entering into contracts and traveling on public funds.
ÅgEffective immediately, all department and activity heads must refrain from entering into any contracts including independent employment contracts and from authorizing any travel requests,Åh a portion of the directive read. ÅgThis comes after discussing the financial state of the CNMI with the Department of Finance and the Office of Management and Budget.Åh
The governor’s order will remain in effect for 60 days.
Press secretary Charles P. Reyes said earlier that the new administration would implement various austerity measures.
According to Reyes, no appointee will receive an over-the-cap salary under the Fitial administration.
Public Law 13-26, the last enacted budget law, sets salary limits ranging between $45,000 and $80,000 for department or activity heads. However, the Governor’s Office can ask the Legislature to issue exemptions.
Fitial said he would not do this for any of his appointees.
Cabinet members have also been ordered to enforce laws on government vehicle use, specifically that public vehicles are used for official business only and fuel consumption are kept at the minimum.
The use of government mobile phones will also be controlled, Reyes added.
