BOISE, Idaho – Several state agencies in Idaho have been found to have vacant positions, yet their salaries are still being spent. The State Budget and Policy Analysis Division is unsure where these funds are going.
This issue caught the attention of members of the Idaho Department of Government Efficiency Task Force. The discovery comes as lawmakers search for ways to cut the budget, especially after the state announced an $80 million budget deficit.
Data collected over a five-year period shows numerous agencies falling below the 90% marker in paying personnel what was appropriated. The data, however, may be skewed due to agency size and complexity.
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor averaged around 68% of filled full-time positions but spent about 85% of the allotted personnel salaries. The Department of Labor had 72% of its full-time jobs filled, spending 74% of its appropriations.
The question remains: who oversees government spending on personnel?
“That has been part of the JFAC process and their DNA for probably the last ten years – is to look at how closely aligned their expenditures are to the budget, as set by the legislature,” Keith Bybee from the Budget and Policy Analysis Division stated.
JFAC, the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee within the legislature, plays a role in this oversight. It’s important to note that many agencies spent less than they were appropriated.
The Department of Government Efficiency will review their findings and report back to the legislature with recommendations in January. Governor Brad Little is urging all state agencies to cut spending by 3%.
