County workers to get paid more for fitness

Columbia County commissioners on Tuesday revised an incentives program meant to keep county employees in shape.

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The health reimbursement program now offers larger cash rewards to employees who regularly visit fitness centers.

Previously, the program gave employees who attended a gym 12 times per month a $100 annual reward.

County officials deemed that frequency too difficult to maintain.

It was "not benefitting us the way we thought it should," county Deputy Administrator Scott Johnson told commissioners during a Tuesday meeting.

Under the new program, employees who visit a gym 12 times per month, or 144 times per year, will receive $360. Those who attend a fitness facility at least 104 times will receive $270 and those with 78 visits will get $180.

All visits must be documented to receive the rewards.

The reimbursements are part of an American Heart Association program, and funding for the rewards comes from the county's Healthy Lifestyle Program.

Officials say that healthy employees are more productive and require fewer sick days. It also results in fewer claims from the county's health insurance funds.