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Capitol board votes to make first‑floor space available despite auditor’s objection
Summary
The Capitol Preservation Board voted to make first‑floor space in the Capitol available and to allow a statutory transfer of space to the state auditor when suitable space exists; the state auditor, who said her office is being audited by the auditor’s office, objected to the process and asked to be included in relocation conversations.
The Capitol Preservation Board voted to declare a portion of first‑floor space at the State Capitol available for reallocation and to allow the statutory transfer of that space to the state auditor when suitable alternative space is identified.
The board’s staff presentation described a proposed reduction of roughly 1,100 square feet from the existing visitor service center footprint to accommodate other needs while retaining the visitor experience in the presentation room. Dana, who presented the plan to modify the current footprint, said the space would remain under board control even if shared and that the proposal would not compromise the visitor experience.
The board discussed how the change fits with recent legislation. A member referenced SB 97’s required space‑use assessment and asked whether the study results had been shared. A staff member said elements of the study had been distributed to offices but that the study might not be fully finalized.
The state auditor, speaking in the meeting, said the auditor’s office is currently auditing the Capitol Preservation Board and objected to moving or redesignating the auditor’s office space without being included. The auditor said the office has been located in the Rotunda since the 2009 remodel to emphasize transparency and that ‘‘it would be respectful . . . if we were included in any of the conversations over where our office is to be moved.’’
Board members clarified the motion before the vote: it would both make the first‑floor space available for other uses and permit the statutory transfer to the auditor if suitable comparable space is available elsewhere. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote; the state auditor recorded an opposition during the tally. The chair characterized the action as consistent with the statute cited during discussion.
What happens next: staff will proceed with the space changes and follow statutory steps if and when comparable space is identified for the auditor, and the board will continue to coordinate with legislative and executive offices as the Capitol program advances.
