WTJX AND THE V.I. CASINO COMMISSIONS PRESENT FY 2025 BUDGET
ST. THOMAS – The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory, convened in a meeting at the Capital Building. The Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System (WTJX) and the Virgin Islands Casino Commissions (Commission) provided testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Executive Budget for the United States Government of the Virgin Islands.
For FY 2025, out of the Miscellaneous Fund, the Governor has proposed a total of $4,431,902 in a lump sum in alignment with Act No. 8759, according to Tanya-Marie Singh, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System. Compared to the FY 2024 budget, the sum remains the same. The FY 2025 budget breakdown is $2,397,474 for personnel services, $1,066,688 for fringe benefits, $210,000 for supplies, $756,040 for other services and charges, and $1,700 for utilities. Senator Marvin Blyden inquired about vendors’ outstanding obligations and the number of vacancies. Kia-T’Nique Thomas, the Senior Financial Officer at WTJX, responded by noting that as of June 2024, vendors are owed a total of $14,368.67, which WTJX will fully pay within 30 days. Rolda Mason, WTJX Disaster Recovery Specialist, indicated that the station has six vacancies. Singh added that uncompetitive salaries are the major challenge in filling vacancies. Senator Frett-Gregory inquired about the status of the satellite uplink. Singh stated that it is a work in progress, and in a few months, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Marvin Pickering, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Virgin Islands Casino Commission, stated that the Governor has proposed a General Fund lump sum from the Miscellaneous Section of the FY 2025 budget totaling $1,423,800, matching the FY 2024/Act No. 8759 allocation of $1,423,800. However, the Commission is seeking $2,400,800 for FY 2025, which is $977,000 more than the Governor’s recommended amount of $1,423,800. The breakdown of the FY 2025 budget request of $2,400,800 is $16,000 for supplies, $635,300 for other services and charges, $30,000 for utilities, and $92,200 for capital outlays. Senator Frett-Gregory asked for clarification regarding the $1,604,300 from the General Fund for the Commission’s personnel. Pickering indicated that in addition to fringe benefits, the funds budgeted for salaries cover the existing seventeen employees and four vacant positions. Of the vacancies, three are for casino inspectors and one for in-house legal counsel. Currently, the Commission has four funding sources. In addition to the General Fund, there is the Casino Control Revolving Fund, the Casino Control Revenue Fund, and the Horse Racetrack Casino Fund. Senator Frett-Gregory stated the lawmakers will do everything possible to meet budget requests.
Senators present at today’s committee hearing included Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Ray Fonseca, and Javan E. James, Sr.
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