Audit concludes Ohio owns too many planes

COLUMBUS (AP) — The state of Ohio owns too many planes and lacks any centralized system for tracking their use and expense, according to a report released today by state Auditor David Yost.

Yost recommends Ohio develop a single cost center for all expenses related to executive branch travel on state aircraft.

The report also recommends the state either find another purpose for its underused five-person helicopter or sell it.

Yost said he didn’t issue any call for money to be repaid, since the state lacks guidelines for the proper use of its aircraft.

The audit says Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor took three flights last year that included routes meant to divert to the Canton Airport near her home, and Ohio House Speaker William Batchelder used a state plane to go from a private event to the Statehouse in Columbus.

The report says both reimbursed the state.

Gov. John Kasich is reviewing the audit’s recommendations