The Saipan Mayor\u2019s Office\u2019s annual student exchange programs may be in trouble after a tranche of budget cuts that have to be implemented across the board in the wake of Super Typhoon Yutu.<\/p>\n
Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang noted in an interview with Saipan Tribune last week that his office would be getting a large 15-percent cut in its annual budget this fiscal year, prompting the office to start weighing which programs would be axed.<\/p>\n
It might include the annual student exchange program with Japan and Korea, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026As much as we want more [funding], we know how the situation is because of [Super Typhoon Yutu]. \u2026I am sure that, once the economy starts picking up and tourists continue to come in\u2026things will get better,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Apatang added that his office will continue to work with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres about funding needs.<\/p>\n
According to Torres\u2019 annual budget proposal, the Saipan Mayor\u2019s Office will be allotted over $2.6 million in fiscal year 2020. <\/p>\n
The office was appropriated $3.5 million in fiscal year 2019; about $453,631 will be cut.<\/p>\n
Apatang said he asked for a budget of $3.5 million for fiscal year 2020, which covers expenses for personnel, fuel, vehicle maintenance, and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody got [budget] cuts. We just need to share the burden,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking at next year, I don\u2019t think that would be possible,\u201d he said, referring to the annual student exchange program. \u201cI believe we need to cut on [expenses].\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cI told them [Saipan Mayor\u2019s Office] we might have to cancel everything next year,\u201d he said. \u201cWe don\u2019t know what is going to happen in fiscal year 2021,\u201d he added when asked if he is more hopeful about the next fiscal year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am hopeful that we will continue to provide services to the general public. I am sure the governor is concerned about that, too, and expending any other ways to cut down on expenses so we can drive on,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Yutu hit Saipan and Tinian in late October 2018.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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