Commissioners approve county employee biometric screenings after debate over cost and value
October 22, 2025 | Bonner County, Idaho
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Bonner County’s Board of Commissioners on Oct. 21 approved a statement of work with TMA At Your Service LLC (doing business as WellWorks For You) to provide on‑site biometric screenings for county employees on Nov. 19, 2025.
The human-resources director, Jonathan Holmgren, told the board the vendor replacement was necessary because the prior vendor was no longer available and that the event requires a minimum of 25 participants; HR estimated 45 participants. The statement of work sets the on‑site screening kit cost at $60 per participant and lists an estimated county cost of $2,700 to be paid from the County Medical Fund. The county must finalize participant numbers at least 10 business days before the event.
Why it mattered: Commissioners debated whether the county should continue paying for on‑site screenings at this per‑kit rate or explore lower‑cost alternatives. Several members said the service is convenient for employees and can have downstream cost savings if health issues are caught early, while others said the county should evaluate whether the expenditure delivers the best return.
Discussion points and outcome
- Purpose: Holmgren said the screenings let employees complete biometric checks without missing work and support the county’s wellness program.
- Cost question: Commissioners asked whether the $60 per‑kit fee reflected the true cost of tests and whether the county might obtain similar results for less through alternative lab providers or different procurement approaches. One commissioner suggested the county study return on investment and consider options before future events.
- Contract terms: The SOW requires a minimum 25 participants or a small-event fee; HR must confirm the final participant count by Nov. 5, 2025. The County Medical Fund will cover kit costs.
- Vote: After discussion the board approved the statement of work by roll call.
Next steps: HR will finalize participant numbers and order kits no later than Nov. 5. Commissioners directed staff to consider future reviews of screening providers and cost‑benefit analysis for similar wellness expenditures.
The human-resources director, Jonathan Holmgren, told the board the vendor replacement was necessary because the prior vendor was no longer available and that the event requires a minimum of 25 participants; HR estimated 45 participants. The statement of work sets the on‑site screening kit cost at $60 per participant and lists an estimated county cost of $2,700 to be paid from the County Medical Fund. The county must finalize participant numbers at least 10 business days before the event.
Why it mattered: Commissioners debated whether the county should continue paying for on‑site screenings at this per‑kit rate or explore lower‑cost alternatives. Several members said the service is convenient for employees and can have downstream cost savings if health issues are caught early, while others said the county should evaluate whether the expenditure delivers the best return.
Discussion points and outcome
- Purpose: Holmgren said the screenings let employees complete biometric checks without missing work and support the county’s wellness program.
- Cost question: Commissioners asked whether the $60 per‑kit fee reflected the true cost of tests and whether the county might obtain similar results for less through alternative lab providers or different procurement approaches. One commissioner suggested the county study return on investment and consider options before future events.
- Contract terms: The SOW requires a minimum 25 participants or a small-event fee; HR must confirm the final participant count by Nov. 5, 2025. The County Medical Fund will cover kit costs.
- Vote: After discussion the board approved the statement of work by roll call.
Next steps: HR will finalize participant numbers and order kits no later than Nov. 5. Commissioners directed staff to consider future reviews of screening providers and cost‑benefit analysis for similar wellness expenditures.
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