Following Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga’s mandate of cost containment measure, the Criminal Justice Protection Agency 100 days report noted they had four employees impacted by the rollback, including Deputy Director Leonard Seumanutafa.

The 100 days report indicated that unbudgeted personnel actions, upon receiving the official notification from Human Resources, each CJPA employee received a copy of the rollback personnel action and a letter from the acting Director explaining the reason behind the rollback said CJPA Director Keith Gebauer.

“There are currently no unbudgeted positions and there were no unbudgeted Personal Services Contracts in place during the transition to the new administration. Annual Increments for all CJPA staff along with all ASG employees are subject to the same freeze as issued by the Governor,” he noted.

Gebauer said that a letter to the governor was attached to each employee who had merited an annual increase, however in keeping with the mandate for ASG, it was determined that CJPA would be subject to the increment freeze even though its funding is mainly federal.

“CJPA employees were directed that overtime was not permissible and they have all adhered to the mandate. Compensatory time is only allowable by the Governor and as such there has been no need based on current working practices. Quarterly review of sick and annual leave will be incorporated into quarterly employee performance status updates.

“Annual Leave has been encouraged and we anticipate during the summer months that the CJPA staff will take leave as needed and requested.

“Travel is limited to only mandatory grant conferences and seminars. CJPA staff will adhere to all Office of the Governor protocols for T.A. submissions. All ASG vehicles after hours usage has been permanently suspended,” according to CJPA 100 days report.

Gebauer in the report, thanks CJPA staff for their quick adherence to the Vehicles Use Policy, whereas all CJPA vehicles are located at the EOB or DPW parking lot after normal business hours.

“Communications expense in the form of landlines, internet and cell phones totaled every month in excess of $1200. Landlines for EOB and Manu ’a locations have been reduced from 22 to 12 (including dedicated fax lines). Cell phones have been transferred to the individual carrier of the mobile phones. We expect a 50% reduction in monthly charges incurred. Any and all capital expenditures requests from our sub-grantees have been forwarded to the Office of the Governor for review and final approval,” said Gebauer.

MANU’A CLERK $2500

Gebauer noted that a former clerk from the Manu’a Office was seeking several months of back pay and together the CJPA staff found an allowable funding source to provide relief for the former clerk. Steps have been taken to ensure such scenarios do not reoccur.

OTHER FUND SOURCES FOUND

Gebauer pointed out that part of CJPA initial sub-grantee site visits was with the Department of Health and Social Services, and with their program manager, they were able to confirm an additional two years of CJPA funding (approximately $200k per year) of their two shelters (and Staff of 19 employees) for juveniles and the battered. “This is a much needed service for the community and we will continue to seek out available funds.”

In order to support the DPS efforts to maintain the online and software support, CJPA was able to secure funding for an annual software contract, for $21,000.