Mayor Dale Uehling said he’s convinced the Wellness Program is needed because health insurance is a big issue.

“I think we can get back to 60-70 percent participation,” he added.

Councilman Keith Caviness said “to be cooperative” he would vote in favor of the program; but, if participation isn’t 75 percent or better, then he wouldn’t support paying all the costs.

How to market health to employees was one of Councilwoman Shannon Addison’s concerns.

“That’s a significant image — parents outliving their children. What can Ottumwa Regional do to help the city promote health so we can prevent such high costs?” Addison said.

Leppert suggested talking to employees as a group and answering their questions.

“The biggest worry is that if I tell my employer, will my employer get rid of me?” she said. “Incentives would be up to the city.”

Councilman Bob Meyers said school district employees had an option for flu shots in their health program. Leppert said Ottumwa Regional would do the shots for the city group.

Councilman Mitch Niner was unable to attend the meeting.

Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.