CITIZEN'S ADVOCATE OFFICE (OMBUDSMAN).

LEGAL AUTHORITY

Act 134 of June 30, 1977, as amended, known as Law for the Citizens' Advocate (Ombudsman) Act, creates the Office and ascribed it to the Legislative Assembly.

MISSION

Guarantee each citizen the right to receive excellent service from government agencies, by providing quick, free and reliable access, through an impartial and empowered Ombudsman, who can formulate public criticism and initiate corrective and remedial actions.


ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

  • Administrative Services
  • Advocate Assistant
  • Advocate Office
  • Audit Department
  • Human Resources
  • Technology and Information
  • Institutional Service
  • Legal Affairs
  • Regional Offices
  • Small Business Advocate
  • Specialized Advocate

Claims and Complaints Investigations

Program Description

Guarantees citizens a just, quick, adequate and free of prejudice treatment when dealing with the different organisms of the Executive Branch. Investigates citizen's claims and counsels citizens about their rights. Guides citizens to follow agency proceedings prior to submitting a claim and coordinates with entities outside the Office's jurisdiction investigations aimed at improving public administration.

FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013 ADOPTED BUDGET

The adopted consolidated budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 ascends to $5,808,000. This amount includes $5,408,000 from the Joint Resolution General Fund and $400,000 form the Special Appropiations General Fund. Per Act 134 of June 30, 1977 the Office will submit its request for funds directly to the Legislative Assembly.

Operational expenses reflect an increase of $232,000 when compared to funds assigned in fiscal year 2011-2012. This increase will help to strengthen the services offered to citizens.

The adopted budget will allow the agency to continue to provide a better, faster service that guarantees citizens their right to receive an efficient service from Government agencies.

SUMMARY OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Consolidated Budget  (thousands $) 2010 2011 2012 2013

 

Program  
Operational Expenses Actual Actual Budget Adopted
Investigation of Claims and Complaints 5,376 5,376 5,576 5,808
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 5,376 5,376 5,576 5,808
Total, Program 5,376 5,376 5,576 5,808
 
Funding Sources  
Operational Expenses  
Joint Resolution - General Fund 5,376 5,376 5,376 5,408
Special Appropriations - General Fund 0 0 0 400
Other Income 0 0 200 0
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 5,376 5,376 5,576 5,808
Total, Funding Sources 5,376 5,376 5,576 5,808
 
Expense Category  
Operational Expenses  
Payroll and Related Expenses 2,952 2,952 2,949 2,949
Rent and Utilities 618 526 518 563
Purchased Services 532 524 516 520
Transportation Expenses 32 32 32 32
Professional Services 828 828 815 815
Other Expenses 294 394 428 411
Non Distributed Allocations 6 6 206 406
Equipment Purchases 54 54 53 53
Office Supplies and other Materials 60 60 59 59
Subtotal, Operational Expenses 5,376 5,376 5,576 5,808
Total, Expense Category 5,376 5,376 5,576 5,808