by Lannie Walker
Guam - It's a day most employees look forward to - payday. But GovGuam employees today got a scare when their checks were not issued in the morning as usual. GovGuam came up with the money in the nick of time, but some employees are still feeling the pinch.
It was a close call for public sector staffers today when word began circulating that payday Friday might come and go with no paychecks. Frank Santiago works at the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency and is not happy he won't be getting his paycheck in time to take it to the bank. "It's a burden my wife is direct deposit and mine is a check and I cash it and we go by groceries so now by the time I get it and cash it its too late everything is closed so have to do everything over again tomorrow," he said.
When asked if would be able to make it to the bank in time today, Santiago replied, "Probably not."
Department of Administration Acting Director Benita Manglona says the checks will go out but much later that in the day than usual. "Well, we are happy to say that we will meet payroll all the employees will get there checks before the close of business today," she said.
The delay is due to an especially low week of collections. Next week however, Manglona says they are expecting a particularly good week because income tax witholdings for the second quarter are due on Wednesday. "In anticipation of the money that is coming in next week, we are able to shift some payments to next week," she said.
Enough to ensure the $10 million needed is available to pay 3,000 GovGuam employees. For Santiago, it's better late than never. "Well, I don't think its fair but what can we do? We still have a job."
Manglona says in the month of June alone, GovGuam will take in $55 million in collections.
