Friday, Feb. 24, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Commends Office of Administration for Uncovering Waste
JEFFERSON CITY–The Office of Administration (OA) recently discovered what can only be measured as truckloads of waste while working to consolidate office space as directed by Gov. Matt Blunt.
After combining the Divisions of Facilities Management and Design & Construction to create the Division of Facilities Management, Design & Construction (FMDC), OA Commissioner Mike Keathley directed staff to conduct inventory and work to eliminate duplication. During the inventory they found numerous boxes of unused envelopes, so many that they expect the supply to last at least four decades. The envelopes were purchased before Blunt took office, however it is unclear exactly how long the state has been storing the envelopes or why anyone would authorize purchasing a 40 year supply of envelopes in the first place. Many envelopes had to be recycled because they were so old they had actually deteriorated. Others are printed with the wrong address. The envelopes are just another example of the wasteful spending practices Blunt and cabinet members have worked to correct.
Another example came as the state prepared to move out of the three story Midtown facility in St. Louis. It was reasonable to assume that one truck would be sufficient to retrieve surplus supplies, but staff ran into waste at almost every turn and ended up filling six trucks instead. Among the waste were 26 ladders, 100 quarts of two cycle motor oil, and three brand new weed eaters still in their boxes. The supplies were acquired before 2005, and the waste is compounded when adding the facts that there were only six maintenance personnel in the building and that the grounds had very little grass.
“There is no excuse for this kind of waste and disregard for taxpayer dollars,” Blunt said. “My administration is absolutely committed to eliminating waste and seeking improved efficiencies for hard working Missouri families. We will continue our successful efforts to change the wasteful practices of the past with a sharp focus on responsible stewardship of Missouri government.”
For more information contact David Mosby at FMDC at (573) 751-1034.
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