City of Oak Creek

Common Council Report

Meeting Date: 

Item No.:         9

FOR INFORMATION ONLY

Background:  The City of Oak Creek implemented the Wellness Program as part of the 2002 budget; the needed funding was incorporated in the Health Insurance Fund.  The initial goal of the program was to control the rate at which our health insurance premiums are rising, and we have been very successful in accomplishing that goal to date.

It is in the best interest of the City of Oak Creek as an employer to take a proactive stance on the health and wellbeing of its employees and make the investment in the future by promoting and supporting healthy lifestyles through education and encouragement – which is the Vision of the Wellness Team.  In addition, our Mission is to empower employees/retirees and their families to be wise healthcare consumers and equip them with the tools necessary to manage their emotional, financial, intellectual, physical and social needs.  This is an integral part of our effort to contain health care costs and reduce the cost to taxpayers.

As with any other asset, employee wellness should be viewed as an investment in the workforce, with the value maintained by taking a proactive stance and keeping employees healthy.  The return on this investment will be long term. It is a documented fact that early detection and treatment of health problems carries lower costs than treating an illness in an acute or emergency status.

We will address the strategies we’ve used to date as well as discuss incentives, budgetary implications, testimonies from participants, and goals for the future.  As recommended by the Wellness Councils of America, senior level support is the first and perhaps most important aspect of a successful wellness program, which is what we are asking for.

Fiscal Impact:  None at this time.  One of the primary goals of our wellness programs is long term cost containment in healthcare.

Prepared by: Marie Pellett Personnel Specialist	Respectfully submitted, Barbara S. Blumenfield, Ph. D. City Administrator
Fiscal Review by: Beverly A. Buretta, CMC City Clerk