County Commissioners approve Fitbit wellness program for employees

Lawrence County employees will soon have access to Fitbits as part of a new wellness program approved during the June 3rd, 2025 Commissioner’s Meeting. The initiative, funded through a wellness grant from the state county commissioners association, aims to promote healthier lifestyles among staff without using taxpayer dollars.

Commissioner Joe highlighted the positive response from employees, noting over a hundred expressions of interest when the program was first announced. The goal is to encourage physical activity, with the Fitbits helping employees track their steps and overall fitness. This initiative is expected to contribute to lower healthcare costs for the county in the long run, as healthier employees typically require less medical care.

In addition to the Fitbit program, the meeting also addressed a budget transfer request from the county coroner. A motion was passed to allocate $3,000 from the commissioner’s contingency fund to assist with the coroner's rent for office space in the Newcastle police department.

These decisions reflect the county's commitment to employee wellness and effective budget management, setting a proactive tone for future initiatives aimed at enhancing community health and operational efficiency.