Department of Revenue and Taxation’s Fiscal 2025 Budget Request and Facility Concerns

The Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) is facing challenges with its current Barrigada facility, prompting discussions about the need for a new office space. During a recent hearing on the agency’s fiscal 2025 budget request, concerns were raised about the aging Barrigada facility, which has been experiencing issues such as air conditioning and water outages.

Appropriations committee chairman Sen. Joe S. San Agustin emphasized the urgency of moving DRT out of the outdated facility, suggesting that the agency may need to temporarily scatter its operations until a new space is secured. DRT officials acknowledged the need for a new office but mentioned that building one would take time.

In the meantime, some DRT services have been shifted to satellite offices to accommodate the limited operations at the Barrigada location. The agency is also working on an invitation for bid for a new office space, but the timeline for this transition remains uncertain.

Additionally, DRT is focusing on the implementation of the cannabis industry, with compliance officers undergoing training and awaiting the establishment of a testing facility. The launch of the cannabis industry has been delayed due to the lack of a testing facility, but potential legislative changes could expedite the process.

Overall, DRT presented a budget request of $17 million for fiscal 2025, indicating a slight increase from the previous year. The discussions during the hearing highlighted the importance of addressing the facility issues to ensure the efficient operation of the agency responsible for collecting a significant portion of Guam’s revenue.