by Jolene Toves

Guam - The effects of sequestration are impacting the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority. As a consequence of federal cuts, the agency has been forced to cut employees.

The effect of sequestration continues to rear its ugly head within local federally-funded agencies. Reduced operating subsidy for the public housing program, less money for housing assistance payments programs plus administrative expenses equals the need for GHURA to minimize its staffing, a necessary step by agency executive director Michael Duenas. He told KUAM News, "We have as of last Friday received three individuals resigned for the end of March and another three individuals were released that is their appointments were not renewed their appointments expired on March 31."

Two of the individuals released where from the Central Office. The remaining individuals were staffed throughout GHURA's property sites. Duenas says the positions that are now vacant at the Central Office. Their job assignments and duties will be distributed amongst existing personnel as GHURA will not be hiring any individuals at this point.

"The remaining employees who are limited-term appointments their appointments have been extended through the end of May; that is to give us time to complete our position assessment and also to have a better handle on the effects of sequestration cuts," he added.

While GHURA does have intentions to renew some of the limited-term positions, recognizing that sequestration is a reality that will continue for several more years, the agency is re-evaluating how they do business as well as re-aligning their resources. Duenas said, "We are looking at ways to improve our proficiencies possibly to outsource and we are looking at does this document need to be captured and if it's not necessary we will stop collecting it."

Not sacrificing efficiency, reducing the administrative burden, getting rid of redundancies are important in working with limited funding. 'We have enough cash reserves to work what I call a 'soft landing' so that at the end of the calendar year we will reach reduce our employment levels through attrition," he said.

Attempting to live within their means with the foresight of receiving less money from HUD over a three-to-five-year period is no easy task. Duenas says re-examining all business processes is key as GHURA must continue operations with fewer employees.