AKWESASNE — In accordance with the Tribal Procedures Act ratified by tribal voters in a referendum held on Ohiarí:ha/June 1, 2013; the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is continuing to provide financial accountability to membership in the development and adoption of the 2017 Annual Tribal Budget. Tribal Council convened a second public meeting in the Community Building Lobby on Tsiothóhrha/December 7, 2016 to respond to comments and concerns that were received after the first public meeting held on Kentenhkó:wa/November 15th.
Prior to the development of the Draft 2017 Annual Tribal Budget, a special meeting was held on Ohiarí:ha/June 15, 2016 for consultation to take place with tribal members as part of the 2017 budget process. The meeting was an additional measure that provided an opportunity for tribal members to give input on ways to improve tribal revenues, operating efficiencies, program enhancements, funding priorities and other budget considerations.
The feedback received from tribal members during the consultation session contributed to the Draft 2017 Annual Tribal Budget that was developed and made available for review beginning on Kentenhkó:wa/November 1st. Tribal members were encouraged to pick-up a copy of the draft budget from the main reception desk in the Community Building Lobby prior to the first public meeting held on Kentenhkó:wa/November 15th, where it was formally presented and explained.
Following the Kentenhkó:wa/November 15th public meeting, tribal members had fifteen (15) days to provide written comments and concerns about the Draft 2017 Annual Tribal Budget. Upon receipt of three written comments, a second public meeting was scheduled for the Tribal Council to respond. The comments and responses that were provided at the second public meeting on Tsiothóhrha/December 7th include:
- Due to the pending December 3rd vote on the Senior Referendum, approval of a Tribal Budget for 2017 should be delayed. The outcome of this vote may potentially impact budgetary decision.
Response: The final adoption of the 2017 Tribal Budget will take place on December 21st during Work Session. The next steps regarding the Elders Benefit are being considered by the Tribe. - Does the proposed budget reflect pay increases tor Chiefs and Sub-Chiefs? If so, in what amount?
Response: There is no increase in Official Fees for the Chiefs and Sub-Chiefs in the 2017 Draft SRMT Operating Budget. 2007 was the last year an increase to official fees for Chiefs and Sub-Chiefs took place. TCR 2016-90, which details current Official’s Fees, can be viewed in the Tribal Clerk’s Office. - Does the proposed budget include an increase in travel expense monies for the Council? If so, in what amount?
Response: There is no increase to this line item in the 2017 Tribal Budget. This line item has been decreased by 14% in the 2017 Tribal Budget.
Pursuant to the Tribal Procedures Act, the Draft 2017 Annual Tribal Budget will now be presented to the Tribal Council for approval and adoption by tribal council resolution during their weekly work session being held on Tsiothóhrha/December 21st.
A mid-year report of the Approved 2017 Annual Tribal budget will be provided no later than Seskéha/August 15, 2017 and will include revenues and expenditures to date.
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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.