A proposal aimed at encouraging physical fitness for Lyon County employees was tabled for three weeks following discussion during Thursday’s Lyon County Commission action session.
A county committee drew up the proposal, which is aimed at encouraging employees to engage in physical fitness. The proposal is multifaceted and calls for employees participating in the program to get a doctor’s physical and also proposes that employees be reimbursed for physical fitness expenses such as home gym equipment (up to a certain amount) or gym memberships. About 100 employees have expressed interest in the program, said Jeff Cope, head of Lyon County security and a committee member.
Lyon County commissioners expressed concern over the cost of the program in light of a tough budget year. Commissioner Teresa Walters said if employees used $360 the first year and 120 employees used it, it would cost the county more than $40,000. Cope said the program would pay off eventually in terms of lower health insurance.
“The committee is aware that the budget is tight and that it’s difficult,” he said. “We’re going to present it and wish for the best and understand that you have some tough decisions to make.”
The agenda item was tabled for three weeks until the county’s 2010 budget process is farther along.
In other matters:
• Commissioners opted not to enter into an agreement with Dean Wilson to remove scrap metal from the old Pallets Plus site, which was damaged by fire, citing litigation risks involved.
• Commissioners voted to repeal an ordinance that was passed in March of 2000 that installed a yield sign at Road 165 and Road H stating that it was no longer needed at the site because there is no public access to the old landfill.
• Approved the low bid of Express Tire for two Michelin tires for dump trucks at $525.25 each for a total of $1,050.50.
• Approved Robert Kearns’ application for an entrance on the north side of Road 190 between Roads G and H.
• Approved purchase of six communication radios for the Lyon County Jail.
• Approved the purchase of four Bearcat scanners for the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. The scanners will allow the sheriff’s office to monitor scanner traffic from other agencies.
scrutinizer (anonymous) says...
That's interesting - can we trim fat from employees and end up trimming fat from the budget for health care? I see one of the first provisions is a physical for employees. That's a great early warning system. The City's newest insurance plan enacted for this year, provided by the vaunted Blue Cross/Blue Shield, dropped the provision that paid for the majority of a routine physical's cost. As Commissioner Longbine suggested, this should be incentive for the employees to stay healthy. Let them eat cake!
July 26, 2009 at 1:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
uuuum, uuuuum, uuuh, no comment.
July 26, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthinkin (anonymous) says...
I know this is a County topic, but I find it interesting it turned so quickly to a City forum. Since it has, I'll add my comments about the City. They have a fitness reimbursement plan.... very few employees use it, and those that do would participate in a fitness program anyway. Although it doesn't cost much (from lack of participation) it is an area that could be cut to reduce City expenses.
In terms of their switch to BC - well, I feel that was a huge mistake as well. Now, the City is at the mercy of BC where before they retained control over coverage & premiums. I find it interesting that even before they committed to the change to BC for 2009, they were PROMISED a MINIMUM of 18 - 20% increase in premiums for 2010. The BC rep said their bid had been "aggressive" in order to obtain the business, and that the increase would be necessary following the initial year - regardless of how good the claims experience might be.....
Changing to a plan that CLAIMS to be losing money the first year and PROMISES 20% increase - real smart - NOT !
As for Commissioner Longbine - he for one doesn't care what the premiums do, as it is his opinion that increases should be totally absorbed by the employees - who, at the time had not received merit salary increases for 5+ years, and COLA's were so small they were a joke. Talk about "fixed income", talk about low morale, what do you expect ?
And, now, I understand, the Commission is talking about doing away with merit increases again.... which is what got them to the place they had to spend $$$, thousand $$$ on the salary study they pretty much ignored (except for the part where the 'good old boy's got their piece of the pie).
Looks like business as usual at the City.
July 26, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Duh, only one comment ! Thats progressive and forward thinking for you !
Nough said !
July 26, 2009 at 12:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
I think the county should have some kind of fitness reembersment program. I see people all the time bringing up that the private sector has to do lay offs and cut pay and blaa blaa blaa. Saying the gov. agencies should do the same. Well, alot of the private companies in this area have deals with the fitness centers here in town why shouldn't the county/city? After all people want them to be like and do the same thing that private businesses do. Oh I forgot public servants aren't as special as someone working at NIM or Detroit or IBC.... etc They are expected to work for minimum pay, scarce benefits and one man doing the job of four. All the while we the tax payers sit and bitch about the job not getting done right or not at all. Ya talk about needing to lay people off to save money? How is that going to save money? The taxes will be even higher because there will be even less people in the area with expendable income. Lets just lay em off and have to pay more unemployment and more welfare. Hmm sounds win win to me... NOT
July 26, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
WOW! That would help.. MORE people out of a job grubbing up the welfare. What an attitude. You weigh 197lbs our limit is 196lbs to work here. That doesn't scream discrimination does it? Sometimes people need a little more incentive to get going. These programs are just that for some. Not to mention these progams do their part in keeping yet one more business up and running in this town. Why don't we just lay off or fire everyone then we could all mooch off the Gov. and be happy.
July 26, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
How true.....all of the physical fitness programs I have ever been familier with turned out to be just an added perk for people that would have been working out on their own.....and underused if not ignored by the people that really could have benefitted from it.
July 26, 2009 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
My how true was mean't for YY4U's post.
July 26, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
You must blind, I have seen quite a few people use and benefit greatly from these programs. You need more than stretching and sit ups. Alot of peole will go work out at these places that don't have the gumption to do it at home or the money all at ones for the expensive weights or tread mills or bikes. Some people work out better when others are around to stimulate their success. Its to easy to just sit and watch tv when you know its -20 in the winter or 100 in the summer. YES, I know I exagerated these temps. but not by much sometimes. Just because you don't/won't utilize these services doesn't mean others don't /won't.
July 26, 2009 at 3:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
yy4- Weltha, Are you forgetting that these are public employees? The money used to purchase their home gym or membership at the fitness center is public money. (Just like welfare)
Did you stop and think that these people pay just as many taxes as you? So this "public" money is also their hard earned money. So it could be said that in a way they are paying their own wages. (atleast a percentage of it) It is not like welfare. Welfare gets handed to you work free. These workers aren't getting anything for free.There are also alot of jobs in the city or county. These are not all in the fire/police etc. Does it really matter if the clerk at the water dept can run a mile? True you can still discriminate against big people. I am well aware of that. I see it all the time. Does that mean its right? Does that mean it should be acceptable? Hell, NO. How much longer do think that is going to last? Its just a matter of time before it illegal, too. Maybe we should get ahead of the game and quit doing so?!
yy4- A city clerk who cannot come to work because the door is not wide enough? How many people does the county and city employ? What if they all had type 2 diabetes? How much will the insurance cost?
You just proved my point about why it is a good idea for employers to work out deals to help employees save money and be able to utilize these physical fitness places. It would help save the policemen (oops police persons) and firfighters that are already going there. That is IF they aren't already getting a discount of some kind because of their service to the community.
To those I am offending on welfare. It is a good thing when needed and not abused. So don't think I am steriotyping everyone that is utilizing hte system. My statement was to prove a point not talk about hte system as whole.
July 26, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Sounds good to me but if its required they should atleast get half pay. After all the miltary guys and gals get paid to work their a$$e$ off. literally... lol It wouldn't be a bad idea for the private sector to do the same thing either from what I see. Hell, in order to get your welfare check ya should have to do the same. Unless you are disabled and can't. Well unless your disability has to do with obesity. That would insure they were in shape when that call for a job interview came through. Oh what a wonderful world this would be?! Plus, we'd all look good and be healthy.
July 26, 2009 at 5 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truelovecharlie (anonymous) says...
When are the spend happy folks gonna realize they have tapped the well bone dry? They have gone to the well too many times. EVERYONE HAS TO TIGHTEN THEIR BELTS!!! The only people that would take advantage of a program like this are those that are already into fitness. If the lard-butts were concerned about their health; they would already be on a program. McDonald's got them fat and lazy; let McDonald's subsidize their fitness regime. The best work-out would be to take all the lardo's to the site of the dreamed of visitor's center and let them mow it with the old style grass cutters, (the non-engine type push mower's). Ms. Walter's got her way with the CAE and she's wanting more control over those that don't fit into her Stepford-wives concept.
July 26, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
One of Weltha's expressed concerns was for the job security of the people that work in the physical fitness industry...and he laments they might be forced onto "welfare" if such programs are dropped.
Isn't maintaining an expensive employee perk just to keep those people employeed also not a form of "welfare"?
July 27, 2009 at 3:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Nope... I will say I am done with this. Its been so long since I really posted on here I forgot how closed minded some on here can be. I'm done pissin' into the wind so to speak.
July 27, 2009 at 7:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
YY4U....See what I mean.....I get it from both the right and the left.
July 27, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yev_kassem (anonymous) says...
I don't see anything terribly wrong with offering a city paid reduction in a monthly membership to a gym, but I do think it should be monitored. If a participating employee doesn't attend enough days at the gym, the city doesn't pay.
I think reimbursing for home equipment is ridiculous. How do you know that they are using it? What if the city reimburses them and then the next weekend it is sitting out front in their garage sale?
I want accountability for every expense the city/county makes. You better have a damn good reason why you need "x" item or you need to figure out another way to pay for it.
July 27, 2009 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Weltha must not spend too much time driving around town. I recently sat and had my lunch in my car and watched two city employees sit back and chat for thirty minutes while waiting for another city employee bring a load of gravel. He dumped some into the hole they were standing in, and one of the guys shifted some of it around with a shovel while the other watched. Then for the next 15 they chatted again. I don't know what they accomplished after that because I had to return to work. I felt cheated. Do I feel layoffs may be necessary? I guess I do. Everyone can trim fat from somewhere. From my experience that day, it was clear that they have fat to be trimmed.
July 27, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
YY4U.....it has become terribly obvious to me that you are just not seeing...... "The Big Picture"......:-)
July 27, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
paulkersey (anonymous) says...
I agree with YY4U. If they want employees to be healthy, don't pay for a gym membership they'll use twice! Make them be healthy. Take 5% of their pay until they're not fat. No promotion or raises until they meet the minimum requirements. If they want to stay out of shape, fine, but they can't complain when the guy who has been there 3 years less they have is now their supervisor.
You can easily make them be healthy without spending a dime. Take out soda and candy vending machines, and have vending machines sell only water, healthy snacks, and fruit juices. Make the elevator for handicapped and freight only. Implement a bike to work day. Say every Wednesday, if you ride your bike to work, you get to leave an hour early. Start a "Biggest Loser" type contest, lots of companies do this.
July 27, 2009 at 12:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
I like your idea Paul. I also agree with yev_ that is what I was trying to say to begin with. Some how it got turned all around by people who read what they wanna hear.
Funny giggles. You bitch they were doing nothing while you were on YOUR lunch break... I love how people judge someone for what they see them doing for 30 minutes out of the day. You haven't a clue what they were doing before you went to lunch. How did the hole get htere to begin with? If you watch most all the contrctors the pweople do the same. I hope that makes you feel cheated, also. Because in a round about way we are paying their wages just as much as we are paying the city/county employees wages. The city/county employee is paying their own wages and that of the people working at the local businesses just as much as that private sector employee. Its all one big happy circle.
Its all really funny to me. I'm not right or left. I don't give a damn who is in office where they are they are all abunch liers and cheats. They all serve their own agenda when possible anyway its all empty promises if they can't get enough people to back it.
July 27, 2009 at 12:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
It always seems it doesn't matter how hard you work or how long. Its always when you are taking a rest is when someone notices you.,
July 27, 2009 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Funny Weltha, I know actual people who do work for the city. He himself is unhappy that there are a great many employed by the city and stand there and watch him do all of the work, but they get paid nearly as much as he does working for the city for many years. Why do work when you can get paid to watch someone else just do it for you? There are lazy workers in every faction of the world. You make it sound like all city workers are upstanding idols. I for one know that they all are not.
By the way, who the hell gets a 45 minute break? I have an hour for lunch, unpaid.
July 27, 2009 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Working out can be super cheap as YY4U said. It gets expensive when you fall into the trap of thinking that some new trendy gadget is going to inspire you to use it.
This is a great video. Rocky wins in the end if you didn't already know.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AemCe...
ps
When I was in the Army I was in the best shape of my like and only went to the gym twice the rest of the time running,sit ups, push ups, flutter kicks etc. all free.
July 27, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sadinemporia (anonymous) says...
Wow, from what I have read in the paper, it was just a proposal. Nothing has been passed. Don't have a coronary yet people. Speaking of coronary, have you had a physical lately?
July 27, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sadinemporia (anonymous) says...
"these types of proposals are indicative of a government (meaning government employees too) out of touch with reality"
According to you, reality means firing the fatties. You must have gone to college cuz you're sooooo goshdurn smart. I bet you don't work for that darn government place either because they're all dadgum idiots! Am I right, huh, huh?
July 27, 2009 at 5:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
sadinemporia
YY4U is a veteran there bub! You best check yourself!
Sorry YY I know you can defend yourself but that just ruffled my feathers somthin' fierce.
"Speaking of coronary, have you had a physical lately?"
I'd like to answer this. Yes about a year and a half ago. All seemed pretty good but I did change my eating habits some to get some level of something down or something and I've been workingout(at home) pretty consistently ever since. Now I'm in great shape, ready to work hard to pay for all those that aren't. Awesome!(no not really awesome)
July 27, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
YY4U
Looks like seriouslyfolks has got your back there buddy....:-)
July 27, 2009 at 7:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Something that people can't tell about me from these forums is that I'm man pretty so with tha good talkin' and the man pretty I may just have to run fer so'em er other. "Assistant to the Deputy Under Chief of Housewares Seriously R. Folks". Hmm, it's got a ring to it.
July 27, 2009 at 8:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
I do realize there are lazies in every faction. I don't think all city workers are upstanding idols, either. I don't think any one is perfect enough to have that status. I was just throwing out a scenario for ya. Because you don't know anything about what they were doing other than your one hour unpaid lunch. I don't get paid for lunch either by the way. I know several people that work for the city and county also. Some are very hard workers some are not. Most generally the ones who are not(hard workers) are the ones I hear complaining the most about lazy people. Guess they don't feel that they should pull their own weight. Again, I'm just trying to defend those people that don't deserve all the grief they get from people like you and me (at times) Walk a mile in their shoes before judging is all I think needs to happen. Yes, it was just a proposal. Wrong time for it but not a bad idea for better times. The gym member ship part not the home gym stuff. I forgot to add that earlier.
July 27, 2009 at 8:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Before you judge a man you should walk a mile in his shoes that way when you do judge him you'll be a mile away and you'll have his shoes. It works for judging ladies too although the walk is less comfortable because some times they wear them point kindy shoes.
Seriously R. Folks
Your vote is appreciated. Your credit card number is appreciated more.
July 27, 2009 at 9:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
That is a good idea yy4u. Accually, that is a great idea. An undergrad could teach zumba or zamba what ever its called. For FREE! Maybe that can be suggested to the commish and ESU. I'll have to see about finding some email addresses. Seriously, even when we disagree you still make me laugh my a$$ off. yy, you can be pretty funny sometimes, too.
July 27, 2009 at 9:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truelovecharlie (anonymous) says...
The city already has a fitness center for the police department. It is available for all the police officer's to use (I'm certain there are some that never do but should). This equipment is already bought and paid for; why not open it's use for ALL city employees and maybe even the county employees?
July 27, 2009 at 10:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Alot of the fire dept. personnel go to Emporia fitness.
July 27, 2009 at 10:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
You've got my vote
July 27, 2009 at 10:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
There's an old saying that a liberal is just a conservative who hasn't been mugged yet. A penny pincher is just someone who hasn't had to be concerned about being punitively sued because they failed to act as an elected or appointed official and allowed penny pinching to cause serious life and safety issues.
July 27, 2009 at 10:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
You make a very good point justthefacts,,,,,,,so many decisions in both the private and public sector are made as much for lawsuit avoidence as for reasons of sound policy. And this is especially true in the medical profession. Doctors will order six test...and send you to three specialists......before telling you to take two aspirins and rest. Why? For fear of getting sued if they overlooked something. And that has an incredible effect on the cost of health care.
Just another reason for tort reform!
July 28, 2009 at 4:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
What's that scenario say about the person going to the doctor? Maybe they didn't need to go in the first place. Maybe there's more wrong with "our system" than just the top of it.
July 28, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Weltha, my point is that I sat there and watched the lazies. Literally, I don't know who else gets paid to have a 45 minute chat break. It was a waste of money. I'm saying that apparently the city has more to cut than they let on.
As a citizen, what was I supposed to think about the two standing there and looking stupid? I am going to venture that if I walked a mile in their shoes, it would be a nice walk and paid to boot.
July 28, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sadinemporia (anonymous) says...
Great idea YY4U. By the way, I apologize for my previous post. I have the utmost respect for any veteran or any person serving our country.
Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on July 27, 2009 at 9:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The city/county could make a deal with ESU to use the facilities on the campus. Maybe some undergrad could conduct research on fitness program participation rates of rural government workers or something like that. It might not cost anything.
July 28, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )