Commissioners approve remodeling of courthouse courtyard space into employee fitness center

County Commissioners voted 3-2 Monday to allow its human resources and public works departments to remodel 15,000 square feet of the county courthouse’s lower level courtyard into an “Employee Fitness Center.”

Monday’s vote approved the use of the area, and the HR and public works departments will now work to develop the proposal.

Commissioners Vince Perez and Andrew Haggerty voted against the remodeling of the courtyard.

“In theory, it’s a great idea, but unfortunately, our space is at a premium here and giving up 15,000 square feet that can be used for office space, especially since we have agreements with the Y and gyms, I would rather see that space used for office space,” Haggerty said.

“I wonder if there are other locations near the courthouse we can explore,” Perez said.

If eventually approved, the project is expected to cost $1 million. The Risk Pool Board, which deals with the health of county employees, has already committed $650,000 of its own funding for the project.

Employee health and healthcare costs have been a major concern for the county. High blood pressure, high blood pressure and obesity are big issues and the County has already instituted voluntary employee wellness screenings and wellness classes.

The fitness center would include changing rooms, gym space, a small vendor area, a running track and group health area.

“I actually like the plan. I understand that we have the need for space and I actually think that – office space – we need to look for another building. I think this space (the courtyard) is being wasted right now. We don’t allow anybody to go down there and I think that allowing folks here to have an exercise area on campus, it would be great, it would raise morale,” Commissioner David Stout said.

County Judge Veronica Escobar said the plan is “outstanding,” but said the county does not have the capital to build the fitness center. “I cannot imagine that we would have the capital dollars to do it for many, many years,” Escobar said.

The county judge voted in favor of remodeling, noting the Risk Pool Board would cover funding for the entirety of the project.

“We’ve seen that investments that the Risk Pool has made, for example, the health clinic, have paid off. We saw absenteeism drop, we saw productivity increase, and it’s turned out to be such a great component of what we offer our employees, so I see this as a great opportunity,” Escobar said.