The Effingham County Legislative/Personnel Committee of the Whole appointed new board positions today during their monthly meeting. Steve Miller and Rob Arnold were both appointed to the Housing Authority. Two seats on the 708 Board, vacated by Gene Logue and Joe Adams, will be filled by Rosy Gibbons and Mike Tate. Gibbons will fill the remainder of Logue’s term until June 30, 2018 and Tate will serve the remainder of Adams’ term until June 30, 2016.
Steven Rudophi was appointed to the Altamont Fire Protection District and Elwin Stueke was appointed to the Watson Fire Protection District. Additionally, Linda Workman was appointed to the Health Board.
The Legislative Committee also approved May 12th as Law Day in Effingham. According to Legislative Board Chairman , Jim Niemann, Law Day is a chance for High School students to learn about how county government functions. Students are elected to act as various county position for the day.
The Committee Also heard a presentation from an Aflac representative regarding a new IRS program entitled the Inspired Wellness Benefit Program. If adopted, county employees would be required to work with a wellness councilor once per quarter to implement new healthy habits. Participating in the program would allow employees to opt into a pre-tax program that allows them pay for insurance benefits prior to being taxed, lowering their taxable income and therefore what they, and the County, owe in taxes. According to Aflac representative, Sharyl Bathe, Effingham County would save approximately $1,500 per employee under the program.
The next step for the Legislative Committee, should they choose to pursue the Inspired Wellness Benefit Program, will be to provide an employee census to Aflac so that exact figures can be calculated.