SANTA FE - Governor Susana Martinez announced today that her administration has identified over $800,000 in cost savings that will result from modifying, consolidating, and terminating leases on offices that house state agencies and other entities. The General Services Department has completed eight lease modifications on state offices in Albuquerque and in Santa Fe totaling $819,000 in annual savings with an additional $164,000 in annual savings anticipated from lease modifications currently in progress.

“As New Mexico families look for ways to cut costs, save money, and live responsibly, state government must do the same,” said Governor Martinez. “As we work to rein in the size of government, we are able to make adjustments to the amount of money we are spending on office space. By modifying, consolidating, and terminating leases on these state facilities, we are able to save taxpayers a significant amount of money while still providing ample space to house employees and provide necessary services.”

Annual savings negotiated by GSD includes $224,000 per year on a modified lease for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Santa Fe, $152,000 per year on a modified lease for the Gaming Control Board in Albuquerque, and $124,000 per year on a modified lease for the Public Defender's office in Santa Fe. Savings also include the consolidation of public education and higher education offices in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.
 
“Our agency is always looking for ways to make government more efficient and save taxpayer dollars,” General Services Secretary Ed Burckle said. “The Property Control Division deserves credit for spearheading a comprehensive lease survey that will save the State a significant amount of money over the long haul.”