The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce inspects fuel outlets for pump accuracy and fuel quality. DAC uses no outcome measures to gauge program achievement. The Petroleum Laboratory at Mississippi State University, which tests the quality of petroleum products, cannot process fuel samples as efficiently as it should due to outdated equipment.
The Legislature should consider centralizing control of the petroleum products inspection program under one agency, such as the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). Transferring the program to MDOT would provide special-fund, user-fee financing, put responsibility on the agency that has a vested interest in fuel tax collections, and eliminate $681,000 in general fund costs.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.