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.

About the Author

Featured

Thousands of UGA students enjoy during the annual “Frat Beach” party for the weekend of the Georgia-Florida football game on St. Simons Island, Friday, November 1, 2024. On the weekend of the Georgia-Florida football game, St. Simons Island’s East Beach becomes “Frat Beach,” an open-air party teeming with thousands of highly inebriated college students. (Hyosub Shin / AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC