Friday, April 28, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt’s Call for Efficiency Saves Big at Department of Agriculture
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt applauds the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) for consolidating divisions and improving efficiency to save Missouri taxpayers $287,215 annually.
“I commend the department and its employees who have found common sense ways to reduce operating costs for the benefit of Missouri taxpayers,” Blunt said. “A strong focus on responsible stewardship continues to be one of the primary goals of my administration.”
The department’s Market Information/Outreach and Ag Business Development Divisions were consolidated into one division since both shared common goals and objectives. This reorganization saved personal services and operational expenses totaling $127,953.
The director of Grain Inspection and Warehousing is now also managing the Weights and Measures Division. Combining these duties saved the state $73,200. The Device and Commodity Inspection Program saved $660 by redesigning its annual egg license, saving approximately 40 hours of manpower in processing renewals and printing costs.
The State Milk Board moved from leased space to MDA’s building last August, saving $24,982 in annual lease fees. In addition, the Feed and Seed Program realized a cost savings of $3,400 by changing their shipping practices for samples sent to the laboratories. The department also took advantage of new cellular telephone plans to save a total of $6,600.
In a combined savings of $50,420, the Division of Animal Health was able to hire retired employees on a part-time basis to fulfill critical functions; MDA entered into a partnership with Social Services to share and provide mail equipment and services, and the Missouri State Fair Board entered into an agreement with State Fair Community College to share a new paved area for fair campers and college parking. The college is assuming 80 percent of the cost of property improvements.
“My staff and I were able to meet with managers and employees to discover innovative ways to combine services and save money without interrupting the normal flow of business for our customers,” said Fred Ferrell, director of MDA. “By using a cohesive management style, we are able to more efficiently utilize our existing staff in many different areas.”
For more information about these savings contact Heather Elder at (573) 751-8596.
###