YELLOW SHEET Office of the State Auditor of Missouri Claire McCaskill

December 14, 2000

Report No. 2000-125

Review of Governor Office Building lease and space use disclosed only minor concerns.

The State Auditor�s Office initiated a review of the Governor Office Building to determine if the building renovation was properly bid, the lease rate is reasonable, change orders from the original bid were reasonable, and if the building space is effectively used. 

The audit did not disclose any significant problems within the scope of the review.� There were two issues of concern that warrant attention. 

• Building renovation costs were inflated by Public Service Commission requirements 

          The Public Service Commission, a primary tenant of the Governor Office Building, added a bullet  resistant 
          commissioner�s bench at a cost of $6,500.� We do not believe this was a prudent use of  public funds. 

• Some lease space was not efficient for state purposes

          The Division of Facilities Management is leasing a large ballroom for conferences, but it is not set up for
          practical use.� The annual lease cost is $33,000. The room   is over 3,200 square feet and is not configured for
          sectioning off into smaller conference rooms.�There are few bookings, mainly because the room is too big for 
          most conferences.��If the Division intends to continue leasing this space, the addition  of room dividers would
          enhance the room�s conference capability.� The Division is considering  negotiations with the developer to return
          the ballroom and reduce the lease costs.

Complete Audit Report