Walworth County to dissolve employee Wellness Council; benefits staff to absorb activities

Human Resources told the Walworth County Human Resource Committee on Feb. 19 that it plans to dissolve the county’s employee Wellness Council and transfer ongoing wellness activities to the county benefits office.

Josh Pollock, the county’s benefits manager, prepared a memorandum included in the meeting packet (pages 12–13) describing the council as a voluntary group of employees from multiple departments who meet outside of paid work time. Human Resources said two council seats have been vacant for more than a year and participation has fallen as employees cannot spare time outside regular job duties.

Staff said routine wellness offerings will continue under the benefits team, coordinated by internal staff. Examples listed in the packet include wellness education materials posted online, webinars and “lunch‑and‑learn” events, the annual blood drive, and advertising available local gym discounts. Human Resources said these activities will be absorbed without paid council participation and would be administered by the benefits office.

Dissolving the council requires a small amendment to Chapter 30 of the Walworth County Code; Human Resources said it will seek that change through Finance Committee in March and, if approved there, through County Board in April. No committee action was required at the Feb. 19 meeting; staff presented the plan for information and said it will report to the committee annually on remaining wellness activities.

The memorandum from Pollock is in the meeting packet.