CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Chattanooga City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to spend nearly $85,000 on new workout equipment for the city’s wastewater employees.
The decision came during ongoing discussions about the city’s tight budget, prompting concern from some council members.
District 4 Councilman Cody Harvey expressed hesitation about the cost.
“I’m all for fitness equipment, and I could also be in better shape,” Harvey said. “But $85,000 for fitness gear in a tight budget year had me a little bit concerned.”
Mark Heinzer, administrator of the city’s wastewater department, defended the expense. He said the equipment would support employee health, especially for those working long shifts.
“We have staff working 12-hour shifts, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., and others from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” Heinzer explained. “They don’t have easy access to the downtown fitness facility. After 12 hours, most just want to go home. We want to promote fitness because our employees do physical work.”
Heinzer added that the equipment will be reserved for wastewater employees only. Other city workers would need an escort to enter the wastewater facility, which he said could raise safety concerns.
The equipment will be supplied by FitWorX, a company based in Franklin, Tennessee.
