Columbus – Additional efficiencies in the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) fleet operation could save more than $1.7 million, according to a performance audit released today by Auditor of State Dave Yost.

 

“With a fleet of over 4,700 vehicles, these recommendations can make a real difference in ODOT’s operations,” Auditor Yost said.  “I applaud Director Wray’s commitment to giving taxpayers the best value for their dollar.”

 

The performance audit analyzed ODOT’s fleet management and found three areas where savings or increased revenue could occur: blended biodiesel, vehicle auctions and vehicle cycling practices.

 

Auditors analyzed ODOT’s vehicle cycling practices and found that their use of light vehicles past 100,000 miles results in additional operating costs that could be avoided.  The report suggests that ODOT should adopt optimizing fleet cycling guidelines that promotes the most financially efficient operation of its fleet.  By doing so, ODOT could save $1,411,756 in reduced operating costs and increased salvage values.

 

In the first performance audit released in 2013, Auditor Yost addressed ODOT’s requirement by law to use biodiesel fuel in lieu of regular diesel. The report recommended the General Assembly eliminate the mandate to save $800,000 on fuel bills each year.  On April 1, 2015, Governor Kasich signed the transportation bill that eliminates the mandate to use biodiesel fuel.  Today’s performance audit reports that ODOT can save an additional $202,475 annually by eliminating the use of blended biodiesel, which would reduce unscheduled filter repairs.  With the elimination of the mandate, ODOT plans to completely discontinue the use of blended biodiesel fuel by the end of fiscal year 2016.

 

Currently, ODOT’s vehicle auctions produce less revenue than the Ohio Department of Administrative Services’ (DAS) auctions for similar vehicle types.  By adopting leading auction practices, such as those used by DAS, ODOT could increase revenues for common vehicles by $126,898 annually.

 

“We appreciate Auditor Yost’s additional assistance examining our operations to help us become even more efficient,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “We are constantly looking for ways to better use the resources we have to provide safe and reliable transportation for Ohioans.”

 

Legislation championed by Auditor Yost in 2011 requires performance audits be conducted of at least four state agencies each biennium.  Other state agencies chosen to undergo performance audits this biennium include the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

 

A full copy of this performance audit may be accessed online.