State parks officials approve 160 job cuts to close $11M gap
FEDERAL WAY -- The state Parks and Recreation Commission has approved the elimination of 160 positions in order to close an $11 million budget gap.
The cuts will be made at the commission's headquarter, as well as in regional and field operations, and take effect in January, state officials said Tuesday.
The trouble started in July, when the parks started charging admission using the Discovery Pass. At $10 per day or $30 per year, the pass brought in 30 percent less than the projected goal.
With fewer people paying to see the parks, many park workers will have to pay with their jobs.
"You're talking about a horrendous change on employees," said Joe Taller, chair of the Parks Commission.
Despite their budget shortfall, Taller and his fellow commissioners voted to keep all 116 state parks open.
"The parks system can't go away. It's one of our biggest economic drivers in this state," said parks employee Virginia Painter.
The commission hopes that by keeping the parks open, more people will buy passes and fewer people will have to be laid off.
"More unemployment for people. More unemployment. Well, everybody just needs to come to the park. Come have a good time," said campground host Jan Warner.
Many of the 160 people laid off will soon be offered seasonal jobs during the busy months, but the commission realizes that many workers won't be able to survive on that alone.
The cuts will be made at the commission's headquarter, as well as in regional and field operations, and take effect in January, state officials said Tuesday.
The trouble started in July, when the parks started charging admission using the Discovery Pass. At $10 per day or $30 per year, the pass brought in 30 percent less than the projected goal.
With fewer people paying to see the parks, many park workers will have to pay with their jobs.
"You're talking about a horrendous change on employees," said Joe Taller, chair of the Parks Commission.
Despite their budget shortfall, Taller and his fellow commissioners voted to keep all 116 state parks open.
"The parks system can't go away. It's one of our biggest economic drivers in this state," said parks employee Virginia Painter.
The commission hopes that by keeping the parks open, more people will buy passes and fewer people will have to be laid off.
"More unemployment for people. More unemployment. Well, everybody just needs to come to the park. Come have a good time," said campground host Jan Warner.
Many of the 160 people laid off will soon be offered seasonal jobs during the busy months, but the commission realizes that many workers won't be able to survive on that alone.
Learn about changes coming to commenting