Bristow mayor raises idea of higher insurance costs for employees who smoke; council seeks legal guidance

At the Oct. 17 special meeting, Mayor Kris Wyatt asked councilmembers whether the city should require employees who smoke tobacco to pay higher insurance premiums, citing the cost of the habit and concerns about building security and vehicle use.

Councilmember Judd Johns said he wants to know the legal standing of such a policy and requested input from the city attorney, according to the minutes. Councilmember Heather Green questioned how the city would verify self-reported smoking and enforce any premium differential, and Councilmember Randy Witty said department heads should first discuss the matter with employees and that the police department could enforce existing laws (including the rule prohibiting smoking within 25 feet of a government building). The mayor said she would pursue the issue and consult the city attorney.

The minutes do not record a motion, ordinance, or vote on the topic; the discussion was exploratory and the council did not adopt a policy during the meeting. Any formal change to employee insurance premiums would require legal review and subsequent council action.