Austell Mayor Joe Jerkins is proposing a plan to pay city employees and city council members to use the city’s new round-the-clock gym as a way to decrease the city’s health care costs.

Council members are expected to review this matter at 7 p.m. Monday in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 2716 Broad St.

Jerkins said during Monday’s pre-agenda meeting the city is paying around $1 million for health care costs this year with the amount increasing by 16 to 20 percent every year.

“It’s a benefit for our health insurance if we get them healthy,” Jerkins added.

Jerkins’ plan is to pay $5 for every hour of city gym usage with annual checks to be issued in early December.

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