Gym good for county

It is a sure bet that some people will consider a fitness center in the Vasco A. Smith Jr. Administration Building in Downtown’s Civic Center Plaza an extravagance.

That would be a shortsighted view, however, when considering the center could mean greater fiscal efficiency for Shelby County and increased employee productivity.

The county has issued a request for proposals to renovate the empty fourth floor of the administration building into a free fitness facility that will be available to all county employees. Officials plan to have the center open by December.

The fitness center is the last piece of a total renovation of the administration building, which is the home turf for many county offices, including the county mayor’s office and the County Commission chambers.

Plans call for the facility to have exercise equipment, showers, exercise classes, nutrition classes, lifestyle management and a wellness coordinator.

Here is why the center is not a waste of money: A healthy workforce is a productive workforce. County employees will impart what they learn and practice about living a healthier lifestyle to family and friends.

Health care costs will be lower and employees will miss fewer days off from work because of illness.

County employees and taxpayers alike win when that happens.