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ALPENA — Earlier today, the Alpena County Commission voted not to pay dues for APlex fitness room and plaza pool employees.
In addition to facing a large budget deficit, less than 10% of the county’s more than 120 employees took advantage of the membership program.
APlex membership was $300 a year, while the pool was $400 a year.
The total cost to the county was $2,500 for use of the employee pool and $650 for APlex training equipment.
Although several commissioners voted in favor of not continuing to pay dues, Commissioner Robin Lalonde said taking away benefits, no matter how few people take advantage of them, is a bad idea for employees, especially those who need to stay healthy. He said it would harm employees who are trying to stay healthy.
He said the fact that the county owns the pool and allocates funds to it means the county doesn’t have to pay anything for employees to use the pool.
“As responsible commissioners, we have a responsibility to provide wellness programs for the physical and mental health of our employees,” she said.
Lalonde said employees who are mentally and physically healthy tend to get sick less, miss less time from work and be more productive.
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