State Office of Management and Enterprise Services officials have told the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to move its employees from the Will Rogers Building northwest of the Capitol. Such a move could cost state taxpayers millions, warns the OESC's general counsel. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman]

In a move that could cost Oklahoma taxpayers millions of dollars, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has been told to move its employees out of the Will Rogers Building by Feb. 1.

The Office of Management and Enterprise Services wants the space so it can consolidate some of its own operations there. Space in the Will Rogers Building is coveted because of its location immediately northwest of the state Capitol building on the Capitol oval.

OMES Director Preston Doerflinger's office has the authority to direct other state agencies to move because it manages the leasing of office space as one of its many duties.

However, the move could be costly, warns John Miley, general counsel for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.