The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1961-01-06

and would report UnelT IlHullSS anu
recommendation to the next assem-
bly,. The legislature could then in
telligently authorize construction OF
buildings where most urgently needed
Such a program would save the
State of Montana many times the
capital investment and would be good
business. If adopted, the present posi-
lions of supervising engineer, and
building inspector for the Board
of Examiners should be abolished in
asmuch as the planning board engi-
neer and planning board architect
would perform the duties of these
positions This board would also pro-
vide a continuous maintenance and
repair program.
POINTS TO FEE AGENCIES
A number of state departments
such as Fish and Game, the Oil and
Gas Conservation Commission and
the Highway Department operate,
free of legislative control, on fees
authorized by law and collected by
them. In many of these fee-supported
boards, bureaus and commissions in
come has been greater than operating
costs to the extent that SURPRISES
have been created.
| A small surplus as cushion III
case of emergency is sound business
practice. But large SURPRISES have
in almost every case resulted in in
creased cost of operation of the de-
partment to that point where the sur
plus is eliminated and there follows
request for increase in fees to the
detriment of all Montanans. Thus has
been born a vicious and costly cycle.
I realize that by constitutional pro-
vision Highway funds cannot be di-
verified to other uses and that is as it
should be if we are to have a sound
highway program at the least cost
possible. 1 fully appreciate that Fish
and Game funds, if we are to con-
tinue with federal programs, cannot
be diverted for other uses and will
say now that / am opposed to placing |
Fish and Game receipts in the gen
eral fund for appropriation back to
the department. This money comes
from Montana sportsmen and should
be used for the purposes intended by
the people who pay the fees.
CONTROLS
ONLY $3.50 OF ALL FUNDS
But you and the people of Mon |
tana should know that because these |
collect and spend their |
own funds, the legislature has, in
the past, exercised control over less
than 25 % of state government funds. |
Members of the legislature are elect
ed by the people; come to Helena to
represent the people. But more than
1870 of state expenditures are made
not by legislators but by boards, bu-
reaus and commissions and depart
ment personnel over whom former
lawmakers had little or no control
To correct this situation every de-
oartment- of government has been
put on a budget, even though income
20 particular department is in ex-
less of the amount allocated.
In most instances decisions as to
by departments with fee
income have affected only those peo-
Die directly concerned in the opera
ion of the particular department.
But in some cases, particularly in the
purchase of land which is removed
rom the tax roles, the activities of
! board or commission can become
he concern of all people in Montana.
The budgets for such departments
IS Fish and Game do not provide
unds for land acquisition. I realize
fish and Game will be purchasing /,
and for wildlife propagation and
abitat In the best interest of every !,
ne | believe the legislature should :
by legislation authorize :
UGH purchase. I have, therefore, re- !
uested Fish and Game to determine !
and needs for the next two years !;
nd request of the legislature an
preparation from Fish and Came
unds to acquire such needed lands. :
hus, at each succeeding legislative
sssion, the department shall outline
loney needs for land acquisition
YER and above the budget authorized