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Commission debates employee wellness reimbursement proposal after staff survey shows support
Summary
Staff proposed a wellness reimbursement of 60% up to $150 per employee for gym memberships, classes and shoes; commissioners asked for tighter eligibility rules, metrics and additional research before approving and were directed to return with more information on costs and models.
A staff member presented a proposed county employee wellness reimbursement program during the March 24 meeting: 60% reimbursement up to $150 for eligible expenses such as gym memberships, pool passes, water aerobics and shoes, subject to wellness‑committee approval and payroll reimbursement processing.
The presenter said the wellness committee recommended the program and cited a county survey in which about 94% of respondents favored a voucher program and more than 100 employees had answered. "I would be surprised if we've had 100 [take advantage of it]," the presenter said when asked about projected usage, but she offered a worst‑case cost estimate of $37,500 should 250 employees each claim the maximum $150 reimbursement.
Commissioners expressed concerns about scope and potential gaming (for example, reselling purchased items) and whether to limit reimbursement to memberships rather than one‑time purchases such as shoes or supplements. One commissioner said a gym membership may provide more assurance of use than a one‑time purchase of shoes. Another asked whether similar programs exist in other counties and requested metrics on effectiveness; the presenter agreed to research comparative programs at the upcoming PHP employer event.
Commission discussion also addressed funding sources. The presenter said the county expects rebates from PHP and Dental Select tied to recent insurance changes; she estimated roughly $100,000 from PHP and about $175,000 from Dental Select as potential rebate sources that could cover program costs. Commissioners asked staff to refine eligibility criteria, measurement metrics and fiscal impacts and to return with a recommendation.
