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Jorge ‘Georgie’ González Otero, president of the Puerto Rico Mayors Association and mayor of Jayuya, has requested detailed information from the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) regarding the distribution of $350 million allocated to municipalities for the current fiscal year, which ends in June. This was reported by several media outlets, including THE STAR.
González Otero addressed a letter to FOMB Executive Director Robert Mujica, stating that municipalities are still unaware of how the $89 million designated for essential programs is distributed.
“The allocation of funds to municipalities facing financial constraints is not a discretionary gift. These resources are meant to provide services to our most vulnerable citizens, particularly housekeepers and emergency management professionals working during the third shift,” he stated.
The Mayor noted that the Mayors Association estimates the allocation of the $89 million as follows: $15 million for the housekeeping program, $9 million for the coverage of the third shift of paramedics, and $30 million for the Essential Services Fund. However, he expressed concerns regarding the remaining $35 million, for which no purpose has been clarified.
“We are requesting information on the intended use of these funds and the specific areas or programs they are designated for. It is important to point out that the guidelines from the Office of Management and Budget (OGP) for the housekeeping and paramedic programs have not yet been published,” he added.
González Otero emphasized that securing these funds is crucial for maintaining the services provided by municipalities, regardless of the political affiliation of the mayors.
“In Puerto Rico, it is widely accepted that municipalities are the first line of service for the people. This should not be taken lightly; the funds intended for municipal operations, whether from the Popular Democratic Party or the New Progressive Party, are essential and must be distributed, as need and suffering know no political boundaries,” he asserted.
The Mayor reiterated his call for transparency and fiscal justice regarding the use of municipal funds. “As president of the Association of Mayors of Puerto Rico, I advocate for justice for all Puerto Ricans, whether they live in rural areas or urban settings. I invite everyone to join me in this effort for our country,” he concluded.
