HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 94

(By Delegates Howell, Arvon, Atkinson, Blair, Border-Sheppard, Cadle, Caputo, Faircloth, Hamrick, Hartman, Hill, Ihle, Lynch, McGeehan, Moffatt, Nelson, J., Pushkin, Smith, R., Sponaugle, Stansbury and White, P.)

[Originating in the Committee on Government Organization; February 27, 2016]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the holdings of public property by departments, agencies, commissions, bureaus and boards of the state.

Whereas, The Legislative Auditor reported in 2015 on the property holdings and maintenance of public properties under the Department of Administration; and

Whereas, The Legislative Auditor found certain deficiencies in building maintenance and repair, properties were purchased and remained vacant or in disrepair; and

Whereas, The Real Estate Division does not have a comprehensive inventory of publicly held property due to certain exemptions in the West Virginia Code; and  

Whereas, Understanding what properties are held, occupied and available for use is critical so that the state can efficiently perform those tasks and functions essential for a responsible government; and

Whereas, The cost of maintaining publicly held property has continued to increase, straining the budget of the General Services Division and other agencies; and

Whereas, Developing a comprehensive inventory of publicly held buildings and property would aid in making decisions regarding purchasing or building new buildings, renovating existing buildings and budgeting for the maintenance and repair of existing buildings; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to study the holdings of public property by departments, agencies, commissions, bureaus and boards of the state; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2017, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the State Treasurer, the State Auditor, the Department of Administration and the Real Estate Division, the Department of Transportation and the Division of Highways, the Department of Education, the School Building Authority and the State Board of Education shall cooperate with the Legislature and provide information, access to personnel and access to all records necessary to effectuate the provisions of this study; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study and to prepare and draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.