DLCA Seeks Additional Funding Amid Severe Staffing Shortages and Vendor Payment Delays

Amid fiscal challenges, DLCA seeks increased appropriations to address critical staffing needs and resolve $357,600 in delayed payments to 51 vendors

As the fiscal year 2025 approaches, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs is grappling with significant staffing shortages, particularly in areas critical for regulatory oversight.

Currently, the department has 8 key vacancies, including the Director of Administrative and Business Management in the St. Thomas district and two alcohol inspectors. DLCA Commissioner Natalie Hodge during last Thursdays budget hearing highlighted the urgent need for additional staff, especially enforcement officers, to manage the territory’s 44 nightclubs effectively. "When you tell me you have 44 nightclubs in St. Thomas and nobody’s working the night shift, you set yourself up," expressed Senator Dwayne DeGraff during budget discussions.

DLCA also faces challenges with delayed payments to vendors, owing $357,600 to 51 vendors, which are at various stages of processing. This financial bottleneck adds to the operational hurdles of the department. To address these challenges, Ms. Hodge has requested a total budget of $4,947,746 from the General Fund, along with $2,079,296 from the Public Services Commission Revolving Fund and $500,000 from the Consumer Protection Fund, with additional smaller appropriations from other sources. This request is $669,002 less than their revised FY2024 budget of $5,616,748, reflecting the financial constraints the department is navigating.