I finally understand!
from 
Stardock Forums
Stardock Forums
After reading this in the strategy guide I finally understand why all those sectors filled with production enhancing starbases were spending so much money! Nothing like a real eye-opener to make you rethink your game.
f) Also, since 66% of bonus production is counted as needing funding, things that increase production
(military production, social production, and research) costs money, on top of the maintenance costs for the
improvement. Therefore if you are really in a pinch you can decrease your amount of bonuses by disbanding starbases and improvements. (Start with the ones you aren’t using…)
f) Also, since 66% of bonus production is counted as needing funding, things that increase production
(military production, social production, and research) costs money, on top of the maintenance costs for the
improvement. Therefore if you are really in a pinch you can decrease your amount of bonuses by disbanding starbases and improvements. (Start with the ones you aren’t using…)