The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1919-11-08
THE STATE
BUDGET SYSTEM
Research Report Commends
Progress Made-Recom-
mends Changes

Columbia, Nov G.-The Detroit Eu-
rcau of Governmental Research has
just filed its report with Governor
Cooper of the investigation made in
October Of the budget system which
was introduced IN South Carolina up
on the recommendation Of Governor
Cooper at the beginning OF his admin
istration. Investigators were very
complimentary Of the progress made
under the budget system.
Several important recommendations
we're made. One Of these was Tor
greater authority for the governor
over the administrative departments,
carving a consolidation Of depart
ments to afford administrative respon-
sib;lity. A standard scale Of salaries
for State officials is also urged. The
extension Of the budget system so as
to include county budgets IN the plan
is recommended. This would neces-
state a uniform system OF account
ing and extension Of the duties and
authority of the comptroller general.
The need for an annual ad interim
penses OF the State government from
date of the ratification Of the appro-
the beginning Of the year to the
appropriation bill 10 cover the eX-
priation bill is pointed out.
With regard To the financial system
Of the State, the report says that the
people of South Carolina appear to be
willing to pay the expenses OF goV-
ernment, if they can be assured that
the expenditures are wisely and eco
nonlically made This end, it is full
ly believed by this bureau" says the
report, "can be realized more nearly
through the scientific budget proce-
dure recently inaugurated than in any
other manner of public administra-
ton. However, it is nee -sSSry to ado
a word of caution-the hes "esults
can be obtained only when the State
has amended some Of its laws to pro-
vide for a greater control over the
administrative departments by the
chief executive Of the State. A maxi
mum Of results requires a consollda-
ton of departments to afford admin
istrative responsibility.
The report recommends that the
governors Office should be provided
with an appropriation for "contin-
gencies' and the similar appropriation
for any other Office, board, institution.
etc., be discontinued.
In explaining this recommendation,
the report says that IF sufficient care
is exercised in preparing departm ent
requests, the need for 'slush' fund,
as contingencies, will prove unneces-
sary. Should other than the antici-
pated or normal state Of affairs occur
in the conduct Of any activity, such
contingency unforeseen circumstances
may be referred to the governor or
budget commission, in order that a
transfer permit may be made. On the
other hand, the contingent fund OF
the governor office should be ample
to meet anySbrt a great or extraor-
ainary .denand for State funds.
The report goes on to say that the
availability of contingent fund
should be restricted to the chief eX-
ecutive, and that the governors con-
tingent fund should be adequate, as
it is recognized that conditions may
arise during fhe months the legislature
S not in session, and only the govern
or can act. ''s
The suggestion for an ad interim
appropriation bill, to cover expenses
between January l every ear and the
date OF the signing Of the annual ap-
oropriation bill, is made with q view
to covering expenses that come due
in this perioa every year, such as
officials salaries. There is almost two
months elapsing every year in this
interim.
Regarding the extension of the au7
thority and duties Of the comptroller
general, the report suggests that TINS
official should be charged with the
duty Of auditing all Offices. depart
ocnts. institutions and agencies of the
State, thus centering in one office the
knowledge and authority Of flnanclal
conditions of the State and providing
], uniform accounting system.
The suggestion for a budget system
n each county similar to that Of the
State is made with a view to giving
the people a better knowledge of their
own county governments and to et-
feet greater economy in the matter
Of county administration.
The report calls attention to the
| fact that there is a wide range of sal
aries in State Offices and an lmpera-
tive need for a standardization OF po-
sitions and salaries within the State
! government.
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