LOUISVILLE — Jefferson County officials have a reached a tentative agreement to temporarily privatize operations of two county-run riverboats while a more permanent solution is sought for cash shortages, a county official said.

The Belle of Louisville, formerly the Avalon of Cincinnati, has required extensive repairs and improvements before and after it partially sank in 1997. (Enquirer file photo) | ZOOM |

        Hornblower Marine Services, based in Jeffersonville, Ind., would operate the Belle of Louisville and the Spirit of Jefferson from Feb. 1 to June 30 while long-term con tract negotiations continue, the county said.

        Under the interim agreement, Hornblower would be paid $30,000 for the five-month period, said Beth Stenberg, the county's chief financial officer.

        The Jefferson County Fiscal Court, which must approve the deal, may consider it as early as next Tuesday.

        The Belle has required extensive repairs and improvements before and after it partially sank in 1997.

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