February 23, 2010

(Knoxville, TN) State Senator Tim Burchett, a candidate for the Republican nomination for Knox County Mayor, today called for a top-down review of the Public Building Authority (PBA) of Knox County and the City of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Burchett added, "The PBA was established in 1971 when the average new home cost $28,000 and gas was around .36 cents a gallon. Times and needs change and it is only prudent to step back and re-examine the mission of any government program that is almost 40 years old. We should be willing to explore ways to improve efficiencies, sharpen the focus of its mission, and where appropriate, be willing to say the time has come to make changes."

As Secretary of the State Senate's Finance and Ways and Means Committee and Chair the Budget Subcommittee, as well as, a former member of the Government Operations Committee, Burchett understands the value serious reviews bring to the taxpayer.

The review of the PBA should include a cost-benefit analysis of all of PBA's county related activities. In 2009, Knox County removed custodial and grounds services for the Health Department, Senior Centers and the Library System from the PBA. An examination of the savings associated with this move should be included in any review of the PBA's current and future mission.

Burchett is seeking the Republican nomination for Knox county mayor in the May 4, 2010 primary. Early voting beings on April 14th.