Judiciary seeks $900K solution from Legislature

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Hoping to ensure parity among the pay of law enforcement officers, Chief Justice F. Philip Carbullido met today with oversight chair Senator Frank Aguon, Jr. to discuss a legislative solution to implement the remainder of the 40% law enforcement adjustment. Public safety personnel in line agencies will be made whole in their paychecks this Friday but the Judiciary is still in need of $900,000 to implement the increase for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Court policy, planning, and community affairs director Josh Tenorio says it has resulted in low morale. "It's having a big effect on morale. All 112 employees that are monitoring this on a daily basis are looking to our elected leaders in the other branches for a solution and they feel strongly that parity is necessary and there is a dysfunction that could be created in this criminal justice system when you have a group of law enforcement officers being paid less than others," he explained.

Tenorio adds the Judiciary appreciates that the governor responded to their concerns and would be supportive of a legislative solution.  The courts would also need additional funds to pay the remainder of the retroactive for Fiscal Year 2013 and a portion of the current fiscal year.