Evaluation of Moveable Equipment Costs in Correctional Facilities: Department of Corrections

• NCJ Number: 162710
• Author(s): D Bezruki; M Aquino; G Crowe
• Editor(s): J Thieme
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 34 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; Wisconsin Legislative Audit Bureau
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Since 1984, Wisconsin has built and equipped three new prisons, adding 1,487 beds to the correctional system at a cost of $121.1 million.

Abstract

While prison construction costs for the three prisons remained close to original budgets, costs of moveable equipment (including office and inmate furniture) increased by 92 percent, requiring the Wisconsin legislature to increase the original $4.8 million moveable equipment budget by $4.4 million. If cost increases continue at the same pace, Wisconsin's current $145 million corrections expansion plan will require an additional $5.5 million for moveable equipment by the end of 1996. Reasons for the deviation in moveable equipment budget estimates are examined, particularly elements of the capital budgeting process that have hampered accurate estimates of moveable equipment costs, and recommendations are offered to keep actual costs in line with estimated costs. Appendixes contain responses to the evaluation of moveable equipment costs by Wisconsin's Department of Corrections and Building Commission. 4 tables