Governor Kasich Signs Legislation Aimed at Increasing Government Efficiency and Accountability

State Representative Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield) applauded Governor John Kasich’s signing of legislation aimed at increasing efficiency and saving taxpayer dollars in local governments and state agencies. Rep. Koehler sponsored Substitute House Bill 5 with Representative Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard).

The bill contains two primary components that focus on using tax money more responsibly and efficiently. First, it gives state agencies and local government offices the ability to request that the Auditor of State conduct a feasibility study between two or more offices, with the goal of sharing resources and improving efficiency.

“I thank the Governor for making this very important piece of common-sense legislation law,” said Rep. Koehler. “Getting local governments to work together by combining duplicated efforts and resources will save tax dollars and allow for more efficient government.”

In conducting the feasibility studies, the Auditor would be authorized to provide a grant to local governments to cover the cost of the study through the LEAP (Leverage for Efficiency, Accountability and Performance) Fund. The Auditor would be required to provide written notification to each agency before the study is conducted and, following the conclusion of the study, to hold a public hearing to announce the findings.

The legislation also authorizes the Auditor’s Office to establish a Shared Equipment Service Agreement Program, such as ShareOhio, in which state agencies and political subdivisions can enter into agreements to share heavy equipment like tractors, bulldozers, and backhoes. The bill specifies that that under shared service agreements, the recipient agency or borrower may assume liability.