Haley: State needs to get rid of its ‘money pits’, save millions on maintenance

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Gov. Nikki Haley says the state needs to sell its “money pits,” starting with eight properties that include the state Education Department’s administration building.

Haley said Wednesday selling those properties identified so far would enable taxpayers to avoid spending $30 million on maintenance and other expenses over five years. The figure is not a direct savings, since it’s unclear how much the state would spend on employees’ new offices.

Schools Superintendent Molly Spearman says her agency welcomes the idea of moving, as its current location doesn’t provide adequate meeting space or parking.

Selling the buildings is among recommendations in a report assessing state-owned property.

It also recommends shrinking the square footage employees occupy. The report says renovating four buildings using “space standards” will save $32 million over 30 years.