Controller Offers Ways to Curb Project Overruns

Following a report that found serious mismanagement of bond proceeds used to build the North Hollywood police station, among other projects, Los Angeles City Controller Rick Tuttle unveiled on Monday recommendations to rein in spending of future bond proceeds.

Among other recommendations, Tuttle suggested a five-year limit for completing bond-financed projects, arguing that smaller, shorter-term bond proposals would show voters quicker results.

Additionally, he recommended that ballots specify as much as possible how bond proceeds will be used, leaving little leeway for unforeseen expenditures.

“I’ve been a critic of a series of broken promises to voters when it comes to embarking on these programs,” Tuttle told a blue-ribbon panel convened by Mayor Richard Riordan and Council President John Ferraro to evaluate bonds. “It’s not a good record.”

Tuttle also endorsed the idea of bond oversight committees.

The blue-ribbon panel, led by William E.B. Siart, responded favorably to the recommendations, its members saying they would consider them at a later date.