BBMR flags personnel cost; panelists suggest procurement and allotment changes to speed operations

Legislative staff read BBMR commentary into the record that comparable FY26 salary benchmarks for an executive-director position range from roughly $73,000 to $93,000 and that creating the position would require additional appropriation estimated at about $109,009. The committee heard that without administrative authority, contracts (including locums agreements) can be delayed by routing to central budget offices.

An acting GMHA administrator asked the committee to consider a limited exemption from BBMR allotment controls for the OCME so the executive director could manage procurement and contracting efficiently. "I would recommend to the committee that you include an exemption to BBMR so that that office can proceed with its contracts and procurement as intended as the bill proposes," the witness said. Senators said they would examine whether statutory procurement exceptions or clearer delegation could be used while maintaining fiscal oversight.