GICC, Guam Raceway on delinquent list

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Earlier this week CLTC administrator Monty Mafnas gave a brief presentation to senators about what's he's been doing since taking over Chamorro Land Trust Commission. Today, he shed light on some of the companies he plans to go after.

Just in case you weren't able to listen to Mafnas; testimony before senators this week, it can be summed up in the following eight words: "Those that are delinquent, I'm going after you."

Mafnas has been working with the Department of Revenue & Taxation and has compiled a list of delinquent taxpayers that owe real property taxes. It's not personal, he says, it's only business. "I'm not asking for their money," he said. "I'm asking what is due to the Chamorro Land Trust."

Matter of fact, Mafnas just today met with one of those delinquent companies. The Guam International Country Club owes $200,000 in rent. As for real property taxes, since its inception in 1990 GICC has paid, as Mafnas said, "No, nill, nim hafafa, nothing at all."

That ends today, he says.  "We will resolve with a payment plan or a one time payment as long as we address this problem expeditiously."

Mafnas is also hoping swift resolution to another delinquent account, the largest on their books he says is with the Guam Raceway Park. "Raceway submitted a report that they're current in terms of monthly payment and payment royalties to the people," he explained. "Now to the amount of $1.1 million, now the real estate taxes is delinquent. He just got the billing a couple of months ago. And he's sorting it out and he will soon make it current."

Although he may sound like a creditor these days, Mafnas says he's just doing what's right and collecting what's owed to the people, so consider yourself warned. "Because if you can enter into a lease, then you know you have a responsibility, then you know you wanted the land, you know you're going to use the land and at the end of the day you're going to make money, so it's only right that they pay accordingly," he said.

KUAM News meanwhile has requested a complete list of the companies that are delinquent in their taxes or rent, we're waiting for a response.