County staff propose lifetime recreation and senior‑center badge for county retirees

Director Tori Strauder Tanks told the Clayton County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 14 that county staff are proposing a lifetime recreation and senior‑center membership for county retirees.

The program, a collaboration of Human Resources, Parks and Recreation, and Senior Services, would provide retirees a lifetime membership badge for free access to classes and use of fitness equipment, pools and indoor walking tracks (some exclusions were noted). Strauder Tanks said the badge issuance is nominally priced for administrative purposes and that replacements would carry a small fee.

"The badge has only cost $1," Senior Services staff said, and a replacement badge would cost $5, according to the presentation. Retiree eligibility will be limited to those who retire from Clayton County through HR processes; HR will supply the senior services office with the list of eligible retirees so staff can process lifetime membership badges.

Commissioners asked whether the program would increase county costs; county staff said the membership program was not expected to create a material new cost and that any administrative work would be handled within existing senior services and parks and recreation operations.

Why this matters: The proposal formalizes a benefit for county employees who retire from county service and clarifies the application, eligibility and administrative processing.

Next steps: Staff presented details and answered questions; no vote was taken at the work session and staff indicated they would place the item on a future board agenda as needed.