The Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources has submitted a $146.9 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, along with two supplemental funding requests totaling $2.1 million, aimed at preserving essential services and avoiding layoffs in two of its most critical divisions, officials told senators Thursday.

The proposed budget includes roughly $7 million from the General Fund, $10.9 million in special non-appropriated local funds, and $129 million in federal grants. Of that federal amount, approximately $100 million is earmarked for land acquisition and infrastructure projects that do not directly support the department’s day-to-day operations.

DPNR currently employs 151 individuals across 12 divisions, including 83 classified, 1 general schedule, and 67 exempt employees. While 61 of these positions are funded by the General Fund, the remaining 102 rely on federal grants.

Despite efforts to strengthen staffing capacity, including competitive starting salaries and fellowship programs to attract new hires, DPNR continues to face ongoing human resource challenges, according to Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol.

“Without the additional funding we’re requesting, we won’t be able to support all of the salaries, the majority of which are inspectors,” Oriol said during Thursday’s Committee on Finance, Budget and Appropriations hearing, referencing the department’s first supplemental request of $575,143 for the Division of Permits. Many of those inspectors are directly tied to disaster recovery efforts. “This would have a direct impact on recovery projects across the territory,” he added.

The second request, totaling $1.4 million, is for the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums, which Oriol said is already operating under financial strain. “The current budget ceiling does not allow for the retention and recruitment of the necessary workforce,” he told lawmakers. “Without supplemental request number two, public libraries will have to remain closed or underutilized, denying access to vital educational and cultural resources.”

Compounding the problem is the recent loss of federal support. Oriol noted that the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services was permanently shuttered in April 2025 under the Trump administration, and that no federal funds are currently allocated to support public library operations. “The $138,000 we received in fiscal year 2025 for subscription services, E-Rate fees, and outreach supplies is likely the last we’ll receive for several years,” he said.

Still, the division remains focused on expanding traditional literacy initiatives, including family literacy nights, intergenerational book clubs, and increased outreach to communities with limited library access. Planning is also underway for new permanent exhibits at libraries and historic forts that highlight the Virgin Islands’ cultural and natural heritage.

In addition to these efforts, DPNR is also modernizing its enforcement systems. The Division of Environmental Enforcement recently rolled out an electronic vessel registration card system, providing digital proof of registration for boaters. “This upgrade will significantly improve efficiency, accuracy, and information sharing between DPNR and local or federal law enforcement agencies,” Oriol said.

As the department looks ahead, Oriol said federal uncertainty remains a concern. While funding under the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts is federally mandated, actual allocations could be reduced under future budget proposals. DPNR is working closely with lobbyists to monitor shifts in federal priorities and prepare for possible impacts.

Overall, the department’s proposed budget reflects the breadth of its responsibilities, ranging from environmental regulation and disaster recovery to cultural preservation and public education. And while the base funding request covers the core of DPNR’s operations, the supplemental requests, according to Oriol, are essential to keeping those operations running smoothly.

“We are committed to doing the work,” he said. “But without these additional resources, the services we provide to the public—and the progress we’ve made — could be at risk.”

With more than $120 million in delinquent property taxes still on the books – and another $60 million in 2025 bills newly issued — Virgin Islands officials are urging property owners to pay what they owe or take advantage of flexible payment plans before key deadlines pass. “Our intent is not to threaten anyone,” said Tax Collector Brent Leerdam in a recent interview with the Source. “But people need to take it seriously, because once taxes become delinquent, the consequences can be significant.” As of June 30, real property tax bills are officially due. Property owners who haven’t received theirs in the mail are being asked to visit https://propertytax.vi.gov to view their accounts and make payments online. They can also update their mailing address through a form available on the site. Aug. 30 is the deadline to pay before delinquency status kicks in— and that’s when a number of legal collection steps begin to unfold. The Office of the Tax Collector tracks property tax revenue in two streams: current-year collections and outstanding delinquencies. While both are important to government operations, Leerdam said the long-term goal is to build stronger compliance with current-year taxes by helping more people get into the habit of paying on time. “If we just sent out $60 million in new taxes, and then another $60 million rolls out the next year, we need people to start seeing this as something to stay on top of annually,” he said. “We want to help them avoid falling behind in the first place.” But when people do fall behind, the office offers an avenue to catch up, namely through installment plans that let taxpayers spread their payments out over time. Leerdam, who took office in 2019, said one of the administration’s first priorities was reducing the barriers to entering those plans. “When I came in, the required down payment was 25 percent. We reduced it down to 15 percent right away,” he said. “We know people don’t have disposable income. We’re not asking for a credit check. We don’t care who starts the plan. We just want to help people avoid losing their property.” The current structure allows plans to stretch from one to three years, depending on the total balance owed, with no added interest, penalties, or administrative fees. Payments are calculated based on a standardized scale, and the agreement can be initiated online or in person. “You can’t ask for a better deal than that,” Leerdam said. “If someone sticks with the plan, we’ll keep them out of final collection activity.” Final collection activity is the government’s last resort, and includes actions like tax auctions, lien sales, or even foreclosure. Once a property becomes delinquent and is not under an active payment plan, the Tax Collector’s Office is required by law to begin public notice. That means the owner’s name, parcel number, and amount owed will be listed in local newspapers and online for four consecutive weeks. After that, if the bill remains unpaid, enforcement begins. Still, Leerdam emphasized that the goal is not to take away people’s homes or land. “The government has a fiduciary responsibility to do the job of the people, but we’re not rushing to sell anyone’s property. We want to give people as many chances as possible to resolve their debt,” he said. In cases where the property owner is deceased, there is an option to protect the estate. If an heir is probating the estate and registers the case with the Tax Collector’s Office, the parcel will be removed from the Final Collection Activity process and interest or penalties will be waived. But Leerdam made it clear that paying taxes does not provide legal ownership. “Only the court can decide ownership,” he said. “But anyone who wants to protect a property — whether they’re a family member, caretaker, or just someone with an interest — can pay on the account to prevent the risk of losing it.” With the Aug. 30 deadline approaching, the office is preparing to release its annual list of delinquent properties. Once that list is published, those parcels move one step closer to enforcement. Leerdam is urging residents to act now. “If you’re behind, reach out to us. We’ll work together,” he said. “But waiting only makes it harder. The longer you let it sit, the fewer options you’ll have.”