“Finally, we’ll be able to pay public safety officers a competitive wage that shows them appreciation for the sacrifices they make for our security. These men and women in uniform have waited a long time for what is due to them. They’ve watched patiently as other employees got their raises. Ray and I are blessed to turn the government’s empty promise to these men and women into a reality for them and their families.” — Governor Eddie Baza Calvo
 
“This is long overdue, and definitely well-deserved.  Eddie and I said we would make good on all of our financial obligations as soon as we could.  Now that our tax refunds are paid at historic rates and levels, we can move on to other promises like the law enforcement pay raises.  Our public safety officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our island safe.  I’m happy we are able to help Guam’s finest — and thank them for their service and patience.” — Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio
 
 
The Governor has ordered the Department of Administration to start paying the remaining 20 percent increase to law enforcement pay that has been due to them for years. The retroactive payment will be made in phases starting in December.
 
$20 million for retroactive pay alone
The reason the payments need to be phased in is because the government cannot afford to make a payment all at once. It is estimated the retroactive payment alone will cost $20 million. This is, by far, the government’s largest liability to its workers on the books right now.
 
First payment in December, remaining payments over following year
The first payment will be made in December. The balance will be paid through the following year as the fiscal team saves away the cash to pay the liability down.
 
Pay adjustments moving forward
The first retroactive payment also will start the implementation of the full pay adjustment moving forward. This pay adjustment will replace the Hay Plan for public safety personnel. This is because the 40% adjustment is higher than the Hay Plan, and the law calls for the implementation of whichever plan pays out more to the public safety officers.
 
Cost, calculation and processing of 20% liabilities most challenging for fiscal team
The payment of the remaining 20 percent pay adjustment has been one of the most challenging fiscal feats for the Governor’s fiscal team. This is not only due to the cost, but the processing of liabilities due to those owed this payment who have retired, resigned, or were terminated during this period. The Human Resources staff of the Department of Administration will have to process about 8,000 personnel actions to account every person who is or was a public safety officer since the third installment of the 40% adjustment took effect.
 
Senators pushed agenda; Calvo & Tenorio thank officers for patience
Sens. Brant McCreadie, Tony Ada, Aline Yamashita, Chris Duenas, Mike Limtiaco, and Tommy Morrison have been meeting with the Governor to encourage him to find the fiscal solution to pay this liability and take it off the books. These discussions started during the budget process as the senators and the Governor were examining the government’s books and how the government could make good on what it owes. The senators brought forward concerns and questions from public safety officers that they have been waiting patiently for the payment of these liabilities.
 
The Governor and the Lieutenant Governor thank public safety officers for their patience as they found this fiscal solution. They understand the frustration the officers have felt all these years that the promise never was carried out. They assure the public safety officers of their commitment to them and their appreciation for the hard work of these officers.

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