By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-906879.mp3
FRANKFORT, Ky. -- – Full-time employees of Kentucky State Parks will see their hours of employment reduced under a study aimed at increasing efficiencies, while saving money.
Some 850 full-time employees will see their hours trimmed to 37.5 hours per week, beginning July 16th.
"The General Assembly passed a law that allows - based on business need - for certain state agencies to employ hourly employees for more than 37-and-a-half hours a week. But we also have the ability to reduce hours, based on business need," says Marcheta Sparrow, Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet.
The move will save two million dollars per year.
The sale of alcohol at four of Kentucky's 17 resort parks is among recommendations made by the consulting firm.
Sparrow says the move is dependent upon privatization of food services at the affected parks, which are Lake Barkley, General Butler, Jenny Wiley and Buckhorn Lake. The state currently is gauging interest among private companies.