District Health Official Concerned About Pension And Budget

A Pennyrile District health official is concerned about the effects of pension reform and potential budget cuts on area health services. Pennyrile District Health Director Charles Hiter says the proposed pension reform could drastically increase the contribution on behalf of employees.

Hiter says that means a significant increase in the cost of the employer contribution by the district health department.

He adds he is also concerned about the proposed 6.25 percent cuts that were proposed in Governor Matt Bevin’s budget.

Hiter adds many of the services the health department provides are service-based, which means there has to be enough staff to administer the program.

Hiter is encouraging area legislators to visit the health departments in Trigg, Caldwell, Lyon or Livingston Counties and consider the impact of the pension and budget cuts on the patients and employees.