The Columbus Dispatch
Ohioans support the state’s colleges and universities to the tune of $2.1 billion a year. In return for this investment, the legislature could assure taxpayers their money isn’t being wasted by passing a bill that would allow the state auditor to delve into whether spending on programs, people and purchases is appropriate and efficient.
House Bill 384, backed by Auditor Dave Yost and other fiscal experts, gives the auditor’s office authority to conduct higher-education performance audits. This would be in addition to the auditor’s routine financial audits, which safeguard against fraud and theft.
“A performance audit can be used to identify potential waste, leading to cost savings, better services and more-cost effective budgets,” said Rep. Mike Duffey, R-Worthington, who co-sponsored the bill with Rep. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster.
Such audits also could help to resolve controversies, such as one at Kent State University over the costly remodeling of the president’s home (while employees were being laid off) or OSU’s decision to lease its parking assets.
As this worthy bill advances, lawmakers should reject an amendment being floated to make auditor’s office pay for the performance audits, not the colleges.
Lawmakers should pass H.B. 384 to extend this opportunity to Ohio’s public colleges and universities and protect Ohio taxpayers.
