State tourism department cuts employees

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Budget cuts have forced the Tourism Department to cut 18 employees. <br><br>The reductions are expected save the agency $600,000 a year, said Ralph McCalmont, interim tourism director.

Wednesday, May 7th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Budget cuts have forced the Tourism Department to cut 18 employees.

The reductions are expected save the agency $600,000 a year, said Ralph McCalmont, interim tourism director.

The reductions are the latest by the agency, which was listed as having about 935 employees at the time Gov. Brad Henry presented his budget proposals to the Legislature.

McCalmont cut three high-level management positions last month, shortly after starting the job.

He told the Senate appropriations subcommittee on natural resources and regulatory services the latest cuts are mainly administrative jobs in the central office in Oklahoma City.

The agency's operations include lodges, parks, tourism centers and golf courses.