Area II commander Col. Timothy McNulty, shown in this 2004 file photo, says quality of life services could still be impacted by budget woes attributed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Joseph Giordono / S&S)
YONGSAN GARRISON — Youth sports leagues, part-time jobs for teens and trash collection should go on as planned this spring and summer despite a recent budget crunch, Area II commander Col. Timothy McNulty said last week.
“As of March 9, we can still provide services,” McNulty said Wednesday during an interview in his office. “But things [can] change.”
McNulty said he expects any local frustrations with budget concerns — most notably the lack of trash pickup during February’s last few days — to be over.
But, he cautioned, troops and their families living in South Korea should be aware that services here could be affected by the U.S. military’s worldwide focus on spending more on efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Last month, money shortages meant the military couldn’t pay a contractor to separate recyclables and empty the main garbage collection site at Yongsan, according to Tillman Moses, Area II deputy garrison commander. In the past few days, money was granted for garbage collection, and pickup for all administrative buildings and residences has resumed, McNulty said.
McNulty said his office is working under the assumption money will be there to support other quality-of-life programs, such as summer jobs. “We’re progressing as if we’re getting the funding,” he said Wednesday.
In 2004, 185 students in Area II were hired for the summer, according to the Area II civilian personnel office.
Students 16 to 22 in South Korea under the status of forces agreement are eligible to apply for jobs at on-base pizza shops, restaurants and other venues. Call 738-3603 for more information.
