The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1957-11-22


lative appropriation and the smaller
amount of revenue estimated as avail
able for the biennium by the state
equalization board.
SUGGESTS 1920 CUT
IN EXPENDITURES
Reid. during the course of his pres
entation to the committee, expressed
the opinion that steps should be i'm
mediately taken urging officials of
all governmental units, state, county,
city and school district, not only to
live within their incomes, but, where
ever possible to effect economies
aimed at reducing expenditures by an
average of 10 per cent. Indicating
he thought this goal could be accom-
plished in many many instances, he
cited specific examples of more eff
ficient operation put into effect in
his department which have reduced
operational costs substantially while
at same time providing better service.
AS examples of other means where
by governmental costs can be re-
duced, Reid suggested the establish
ing of a state-owned "auto pool' as
a means of getting greater value out
of State of Montana cars; a state
owned garage to handle mechanical
and servicing needs of state cars,
along with centralized purchase of
auto supplies as needed las contrasted
with wasteful stockpiling allegedly
111lo iya hxv ri, a+cl
He also thought Hsecretarial pool''
should be looked into as a means of
getting more economical operation in
the paper-work end of government.
Another major item where Reid
thinks substantial savings can be
made is in the insurance field. Reid
pointed out that the states annual
insurance bill runs many, many
thousands of dollars; that Montana
state government, capital-invest-
ment wise is large enough it should
set up it's own insurance program
just as many corporations do.
(How much money such state
insurance set-up would save, is cur
rently not available. However, the
following information provided by
Les Hansen of the State Board Of
Examiners, does give some idea on
he states insurance bill. Fire and
extended coverage on $74,995,O00 of
nsurable property presently costs the
state S401, 448.23 for a period of 8
vears coverage. This includes all state
off h. |
ion of the State Liquor system which J
aries its own insurance. Auto in p,
urance, covering all state-owned !;
utos, trucks, highway maintenance 9
nd construction equipment, by COM 6
etitive bid for the last fiscal year .
ost $29,O71.63. This coverage in =
luded property damage, fire and +
heft, bodily injury, medical payment,
nd liability. Liability insurance to n
over approximately $50 state-owned )
oilers let on competitive bid is cost
lg S6,965.86 for the current three d
ear period. In addition to the above, tt
he state pays various other kinds g
insurance, such as fidelity or per- IL
bond premiums, rental in p
ome insurance on university hous- al
e unit buildings which pay off via =
Entail income, etc.-EDITOR.) eli
Reviewing the states general tax e.
cture, Reid told the commission that til
the last 10 years taxable value has al
me up II per cent, while taxes have 81
me up 1913 per cent. He also pointed In
, that there are millions Of dollars tn
,rth of Intangible" property, such We
stocks, bonds, bank investments, tie
=, which are escaping taxation. In be
bstantiation, he said his board in on
81 had run check and found that sa
million WAS the total ualI1a of mr.