Comments on: Beshear: Bring on the cost-cutting ideas

By: Dwayne Huff

Dwayne Huff — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 11:27:25 +0000

The state currently does not have a managed travel program concerning rental cars. A recent press release from the state of Missouri claims they savied $15 million by mandated the use of the state motor pool as the first option, followed by a rental car, and finally mileage reimbursement as the last option. During this time period, Missouri reduced the number of pool vehicles to increase their utilization percentage and thus promote more efficient use. A managed travel program would allow the state an option that could significantly reduce travel expenses. 36 of the 50 states have a managed program.

The biggest problem with the state motor pool is that the bulk are located in and around Frankfort and therefore availability is limited to outlying areas. For instance, if you live in Paducah and need to travel to Frankfort, state vehicles are rarely available. Reimbusing mileage at $.37 per mile will cost approximately $165. Whereas, renting a mid size car would cost around $115 including gas and tax. That is a 30% savings on this example.

State universities, Western Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky, and U of L have already starting reducing their pool fleets in favor of rental contracts. Recently UK, Morehead State, and KCTCS have also been considering possible fleet reductions.

By: anonimouse

anonimouse — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 05:42:28 +0000

I see lots of ideas on state cars and their uses I looked up the current directors salary.

THe new director is making $75,600 while under the Fletcher administration. the director made $70,000.

I wonder if this $5,600 increase in pay is across the board? If it is then it makes that coldiron $20,000 incerease a pittance.

I wonder if the fleet director brought any additional experience to justify that $5,600 increase in pay or if he is a \”friend of Beshear\” like Coldiron.

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:52:30 +0000

I don’t mind additional taxes to help pay for necessities, however I can’t see raising any tax to cover inflated salaries for political appointees. Let’s take a hard look at the contract employees, see what kind of productivity we’re getting, and who approves their contracts. There are at least two cabinets that are wasting money hand over fist. I also agree with closing any state sponsored office in a foreign country, their only function seems to be monitoring all of the the jobs we’ve exported.

By: Jim Anderson Stivers

Jim Anderson Stivers — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:18:02 +0000

Your right about ED expenses.

While plant locations have been down in the USA, due to third world competition, China the largest, Kentucky has had very little activity in Economic Development.

I would like to see a breakdown as to where the money spent, went?

The Commonwealth also needs to close and cut their losses on INTERNATIONAL OFFICES.

The only office, at this time, they need is Japan. The others are a waste of money.
There is little activity in development in this period. So, I would think, rather than throw money at International Offices, it would be better to close those offices.

I sure would like to know what the cost to operate the other International Offices, for the exception of Japan.

Why do we need International Offices with staff in Mexico, Europe, and South America.
Next thing you know, we will have an office in CHINA.

There are many ways to cut cost in the ED Cabinet, but all will resist cut backs and claim it will hinder our job production in Economic Development.

I SAY, IMO, THAT IS NOT TRUE.

Wonder how much or our taxpayer money is going to other countries.

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:16:03 +0000

Stop spending so much money on cutting down marijuana, it’s not hurting anyone anyway!

By: John

John — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:25:40 +0000

The problem with the http://www.OpenDoor.KY.gov is that it is a Finance Cabinet Site. Ask any state employee where waste can be cut and 90% is in tied to the Finance Cabinet. They run the motor pool, printing services, Commonwealth Office of Technology, and buildings. The other Cabinets are not allowed to save money if it means reducing what they pay to a Finance unit. Example, when electronic badge readers were installed in a building a guard was nolonger needed, but, Finance insisted the fee still be paid by the agency. Example, every attempt to reduce computer expenses by eliminating high cost services provided by Finance COT is flatley refused by COT. Building space is more dependent on who the owners are than the best building at the lowest cost. It became a cess pool under the last administration. I expect better from this administration.

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:17:51 +0000

I have an idea Gov. Beshear. How about you and your overpaid cabinet take a pay-cut.

By: David kinman

David kinman — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:48:32 +0000

It may be a good start to rescind the $20,000.00 raise given to the friend in Homeland security. Gov. Fletcher hired 2 pastry chefs for the mansion. Are they still on the payroll? Lets cut some of the frills before we start taking things away from the people who are actually trying to do the work. Show us that the Executive Branch is willing to suffer along with the rest of us.

By: leatherneck

leatherneck — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 19:24:21 +0000

Simple: Bring off-budget spending into the light of day
In 2004 Ky spent $808 million on economic development.
$571 million of that was spent in tax expendures(off-budget)
$448 million in business tax exemptions
$123 million in economic development tax
incentives
$237 million in on-budget spending
These expendures have become a regular unchecked part of state spending.
We must measure the cost and benefits of economic development programs, evaluate project performance and have flexibility to change course if projects are not achieving desired goals.

By: anonymous

anonymous — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:56:37 +0000

I posted a nice long comment and it did not get posted, can I please ask why? not sure I want to try to do it again.