DHS costs are not justified, supported

To the editor:

Your Nov. 14 article 'Costs rise at state institutions” raises several interesting questions.

First, the pictures show a modern looking Oakdale facility with an average yearly cost per resident of $55,847 and a rather old Mental Health Institute in Independence with an average yearly cost per resident of $473,718.

The article goes on to define the general trends in the occupancy and cost data over the last five years. There was no rationale for the cost increases associated with the Department of Human Services facilities other than an unsupported statement that medical costs are substantial and rising.

I looked at the individual audit reports found on your website and found nothing to support the cost increases. It did show the data to support the change in residency numbers and the cost basis with no breakout of the cost basis. The audit, as one might expect, dealt with the quality of the accounting practices with no attempt to justify or explain expenses.

In light of our governor's stated pride in the transparency and efficiency of his administration, and the recent efficiency study conducted for the Board of Regents relating to our universities, I have to ask a question. Why isn't there an efficiency study being performed for the DHS? Particularly since Director Chuck Palmer has shown an apparent lack of fiscal responsibility (note the costs associated with the Juvenile Home at Toledo).

Gordon Taylor

Anamosa