SC agencies keeping fee revenues secret

By Rick Brundrett | The Nerve

Fees and fines collected by South Carolina agencies make up a huge part of the state budget, but some agencies are withholding that information from the public despite a requirement that their annual reports be posted online.

A state budget proviso renewed annually since it took effect in the 2009-10 fiscal year requires agencies to post online by Sept. 1 “all aggregate amounts of fines and fees that were charged and collected by that state agency in the prior fiscal year.” The purpose of the reporting requirement is to “promote accountability and transparency,” according to the proviso.

But a survey this month by The Nerve of 26 agencies’ websites found that only nine, or less than 35 percent, had their annual fees and fines reports posted. Four agencies – the departments of Motor Vehicles; Public Safety; Insurance; and Labor, Licensing and Regulation  – posted their most recent reports this week after being contacted by The Nerve.

Read more at The Nerve.

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SC agencies keeping fee revenues secret

Europe weighs on Vodafone’s Q1 revenues

LONDON (AP) — Vodafone, one of the world’s largest mobile phone companies. is reporting that its revenues declined 3.5 percent to 10.2 billion pounds ($ 15.5 billion) amid increasing competition in many parts of Europe.

The British wireless provider that is thought to be mulling options for its 45 percent stake in the U.S.’s Verizon Wireless, said Friday that regulation, competitive pressures and the weakness of the economies in southern Europe weighed on its revenues.

Chief Executive Vittorio Colao says the company is looking to the proposed acquisition of Germany’s biggest cable operator to create a platform for a “unified communications strategy in our most important market.”

Vodafone has had preliminary discussions with Kabel Deutschland, which has more than 8 million customers. The move would signal a move into fixed-line TV and telephone services.

Salon.com

Europe weighs on Vodafone’s Q1 revenues