In a time when residents and businesses are looking to be more efficient with funds, the same can be said for Ohio’s public two- and four-year universities.

Recently, HB 384 passed through the Ohio House of Representatives. The bill could allow performance related audits in addition to financial audits for universities that could ultimately help provide areas where those universities could become more efficient.

In 2016, nearly 2 billion taxpayer dollars were appropriated for Ohio public colleges and universities. While that was slightly up from fiscal year 2015, many universities and associated branches are feeling financial constraints.

As of now, Ohio law requires performance audits of various state agencies on a bi-annual basis, and it simply seems logical that taxpayer funded public universities should see the same.

In the event inefficiencies are found, expense savings should not be found that will be to the detriment of the universities’ ability to provide students the highest quality education. However, it is important to make adjustments that will best serve the students and taxpayers who are providing the funding.

At the end of the day, Ohio residents need to have their tax dollars used in the most efficient way, and this bill will do just that.