RALEIGH, N.C. -- A North Carolina government and budget reform panel formed by Gov. Beverly Perdue says she should consider ways to make Medicaid and the state's motor fleet more efficient.
Members of the Budget Reform and Accountability Commission agreed Wednesday to recommend to Perdue more ways to prevent waste and abuse in state government.
They voted to suggest strengthening criteria before state agencies can receive a vehicle from the motor fleet division, or reduce rates the division charges to agencies for use of the cars. Departments have been paying millions of dollars for state-owned cars that have often remained in parking lots during the tight budget times.
The commission also told Perdue to get outside help for the state Medicaid office so it can better project spending trends.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
False Report
I have driven a state-owned vehicle. Someone called in a false report on my driving. I have heard young people state that they sometimes call in false reports just for the fun of it. How do we guard against this?
state equipment
I have worked for the state in the past and where i worked the cars and trucks were serviced every 5000 miles or 200 hrs for any equipment with hourmeters.Also smoking in state equipment is prohibited.
Then
how do you explain the miserable condition of vehicles on the state website for sale?
Who monitors the fuel consumption and counsels operators for excessive fuel useage?
Have You
ever looked on the state website at the surplus property available for sale to the public?
Hundreds of state owned vehicles pass through the site annually. All across the state.
And the condition they are in is a disgrace. Vehicle body damage; repairs or deficiencies noted which are a clear indication of failure to perform proper and required maintenance.
Cigarette burns in the car upholstry. One would think smoking in a state owned vehicle would be banned just as it is in state buildings.
Have you ever been on I-40 and had state vehicles race by you at 90 or better? And I am not referring to State Tropper vehicles which likely have legitimate reasons for attaining that speed. If the non State Trooper vehicles would obey the posted limits; use the cruise control; and stay off their cell phones, I would bet fuel costs would drop.
In the private sector, company provided vehicles are subject to regular inspections by a fleet manager or division manager. Fuel consumption is monitored. Service records are reviewed to ensure the investment in the vehicle is maximized when it comes time to replace.
Can the same be said for the state? Private Sector -- failure to properly maintain a vehcile would lead to counseling and possible loss of employment if not corrected.
How about the state? Is the same level of employee accountability present there?
Look for the bumper sticker
Most state vehicles have a "how am I driving" bumper sticker on the rear. You can get the vehicle number and call it in to the toll free number listed. It is my understanding that if a driver receives two complaints they are no longer allowed to drive a state vehicle. Try it.