The Governor’s plan to consolidate government and save state money has begun.
Governor Nixon’s Physical Plant Plan shifts state agencies from leased space to state-owned property.
The first of these moves is underway, putting the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Lab into the new state health lab, which is operated by the Department of Health.
Lori Simms with the Office of Administration says it’s a good cost-saving measure, cutting about $160,000 in annual rent and maintenence costs from state expenditures. Simms says the state also expects to reap the benefits from operational efficiencies by combining the two labs.
“The state also expects to realize operational efficiencies as well, such as the sharing of storage space, which may result in additional savings,” she says. We know these moves will reap long-term savings for the state.”
Simms says the Office of Administration is working to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Some of Nixon’s ideas for merging government entities has been met with more resistance, such as making Water Patrol and the Highway Patrol one law enforcement agency, as well as the Departments of Education and Higher Education. The legislature is debating the issue.
Jessica Machetta reports [Download / listen Mp3, 1:12 min.]
