CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — So here we are, folks: Chattanooga’s latest spending talking point. The city’s dropping over $80,000 on fitness gear, and guess who it’s for? Just the wastewater crew. With city officials hammering on about a tight budget, it’s quite the eyebrow-raiser.
This isn’t the first time Chattanooga folks are scratching their heads over fiscal choices. But here’s the kicker: every city employee already gets free run of the gym down at the Chattanooga Well Advantage building. So why the splurge on exclusive equipment?
“This is an investment in our workforce. That’s going to be here for years,” says Mark Heinzer, the department’s chief. He’s standing by the $85,000 spend, arguing it’s all about keeping their people spry for those grueling, physical jobs.
Yet, some council members aren’t quite convinced. One quips about the sweaty $85K price tag, “I’m all for getting fit, but this timing’s not the best with our penny-pinching budget.”
And about this budget crunch? Mayor Tim Kelly’s top aide, Kevin Roig, bluntly points out, “Funding’s tight, folks.” But Heinzer has a comeback. This gym plan, he says, isn’t a new thought; it’s been earmarked in the wastewater fund for ages. Timing, it seems, is just a coincidence.
Oh, and speaking of Mayor Tim Kelly, his spokesperson Stephanie Cepak chimes in about investing in the workforce’s morale. This fitness setup is supposed to boost city employees’ health and spirits. Yet, it’s located smack inside the wastewater plant. Kind of exclusive, no?
Now, here’s a juicy bit. The city’s trying to lure in fresh talent and hang onto their wastewater crew. They think some shiny new gym toys might just do the trick. But, don’t get too pumped if you’re not in wastewater—you won’t be tracking that treadmill anytime soon. As Heinzer says, “It’s for wastewater employees because we can track their whereabouts.” Sounds more like gym security than generosity!
In these tough hiring times, any edge matters. But spending big in a strapped budget year? That’s Chattanooga for you—always keeping us on our toes.
By the way, if you’re curious about the nitty-gritty of city budgeting and spending, check out [this source](https://www.chattanooga.gov/finance/budget) where they lay down the fiscal facts.
