By Scott Edger
Little Apple Post
Monday, officials from the Riley County Police Department updated members of the Riley County Law Board about fitness facilities for the department’s more than 200 employees.
Earlier in the year, RCPD administrators surveyed employees to determine the need and desire for a gym membership benefit. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
The survey also asked employees to comment on their preferences. Location, flexible hours, and amenities were the top desires.
Previously, the RCPD employees had an in-house option, albeit a very modest workout room at the main facility. Employees lost that limited space two years ago when the department needed more space for its evidence room.
At that time the department entered into a two-year corporate contract with Genesis to provide fitness facilities.
This year, requests for proposals were sent to eight Manhattan gyms. After receiving bids – ranging from $42,000 to $280,000 – and comparing features, RCPD administrators told the Law Board that they decided to go with Genesis due to its proximity to the department’s headquarters and availability.
Board member John Ford said he was not against providing a gym membership, but he particularly did not support paying Genesis with community tax money.
“I'm not going to beat around the bush,” Bored said. “I'm not a big fan of Genesis. This doesn't have anything to do with the RCPD, but for taxing purposes in both the city and the county there are big consequences. The use of tax dollars is troublesome to me. Next year I'd like to review this entity. I'm not a fan of some of the things they do, and their community involvement - or lack thereof.”
Per capita, the membership rate RCPD pays is a bargain. Genesis is providing the membership benefit to the RCPD for $37,500 annually, which amounts to about $15 a month per person. Officials noted that Genesis also provides the RCPD with space for training and classes.
Rather than a blanket membership covering all RCPD personnel, some employees preferred to be able to utilize other facilities or receive voucher or stipends in liue of the Genesis membership. The memberships are paid through the department’s cafeteria plan, and IRS regulations would make that action difficult or impossible.