Associated Press Published

Courtesy Patrol Could Save $8 Million If State Took Control

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An audit says a roadside assistance service using state money could save up to $8.4 million over three years if the Division of Highways controlled it, among other changes.

Legislative Auditor Aaron Allred’s office released highlights of the Courtesy Patrol audit on Sunday.

The audit says Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia, which runs the program, received $23.9 million in state money from fiscal year 2006 through 2014.

It says the highways division overpaid the group $96,100.

It says the division potentially increased costs by replacing Courtesy Patrol vehicles and renewing contracts at an increased rate. The division expedited payments through the state auditor’s office and paid the group before the service period ended.

It says the division didn’t monitor fuel spending or use traffic data to manage scheduling.