The Roundabout 12/31/24 by The Roundabout

District 2

The Roundabout

As we begin a new year, we would like to thank District 2 Commissioner Don Skinner for his service the past four years. He served as the Development and Planning Services Committee (Chair), Management and Internal Services Committee (Vice Chair), and the Audit Committee (Vice Chair) He ended his term in December Thank you for your service, Commissioner Skinner!

Returning to serve District 2 is Trey Allen, who last served as a Commissioner from 2017 through 2020 He will be sworn in on January 7, 2025. Welcome back, Commissioner Allen!

Coroner

Also, we are welcoming our newly elected Coroner, Terry Norman. He has been sworn in and has hit the ground running. Welcome aboard!

Keith Cox, Interim Coroner, has served since the retirement of Vernon Collins. Keith has done an outstanding job of serving the county until a permanent replacement could be elected. Thank you for your service!

Health Insurance Federal Form 1095-C

All employees will receive a federally mandated form stating whether or not they elected to participate in the health insurance plan for 2024 (this past year). HR will prepare the 1095-C health insurance forms so you will receive yours by the end of January These forms will be sent to your department for distribution. If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at 706-868-3300.

Don Skinner

Trey Allen

Terry Norman Keith Cox

Is

Does your waistline have a deadline in the new year? At the G2 Fitness Facility, have some fun with your workout using a variety of new workout equipment or gather your coworkers for a game of pickleball, basketball, or volleyball! If classes are more your speed, Teressa promises a fun, engaging, and stress relieving workout designed for all ages and abilities!

Don’t know where to start with exercise and nutrition? Contact Teressa to schedule a one-on-one consultation, and let her guide you every step of the way with personalized programming or personal training!

In need of a relaxing stretch that will help relieve stress, improve mobility, blood flow, flexibility, and reduce soreness/pain? An appointment is just a phone call or email away! Make your health a top priority and start 2025 feeling your best!!

Monday, Wednesday – FIT 360 @ 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday – Mindful Motion @ 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Tuesday - Lunch Crunch @ 11:30 a.m.-12:00 and 12:15-12:45 p.m.

Thursday – Mindful Motion @ 11:30 a.m.-12:00 and 12:15-12:45 p.m.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Teressa Lantz, Fitness Specialist-706-750-9394 tlantz@columbiacountyga.gov

Start the New Year with Purposeful Progress

This year, focus on small, sustainable changes that lead to big improvements in your quality of life. Whether it’s adding more movement to your day, choosing nourishing foods, getting consistent sleep, or taking moments to de-stress, the key is finding what works for you and sticking with it. Pick one or two small changes to start with so as not to become overwhelmed. Over time, these habits will build into a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle!

Healthy habits aren’t about perfection; they’re about showing up for yourself in ways that make you feel better, stronger, and more energized. Set one goal today that excites you, and let’s make this year your healthiest yet!

Here’s a list of simple, actionable suggestions for each healthy habit that you can incorporate into your daily routines:

Move More

Take a 10-30 minute walk after lunch or dinner

Get creative with exercises at you ’ re your desk

Try a 5-minute stretch routine in the morning or during work breaks.

Use the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible

Set a timer to stand and stretch every hour while working.

Explore a fun activity like dancing, hiking, or a workout class

Eat Nourishing Foods

Add one extra serving of vegetables or fruits to your meals daily. Swap sugary drinks for water or herbal tea

Keep healthy snacks like nuts, yogurt, or sliced veggies at your desk.

Prep a simple, balanced lunch instead of grabbing fast food

Experiment with a new, healthy recipe once a week.

Get Consistent Sleep

Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends

Create a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading or meditating.

Limit screen time an hour before bed try a book or podcast instead

Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet for optimal sleep.

Avoid caffeine or heavy meals close to bedtime

Reduce Stress

Take a 4 count deep breath and 8 count exhale when you feel overwhelmed.

Schedule 10-30 minutes daily for mindfulness or meditation

Go for a walk in nature to clear your mind.

Write down three things you ’ re grateful for at the end of each day

Try progressive muscle relaxation to ease tension.

Laugh More

Watch a funny video or listen to a comedy podcast

Spend time with friends or colleagues who make you smile

Look for humor in everyday moments and share a laugh with others

Don’t take yourself too seriously laugh at your own quirks!

Start a "joke of the day" tradition with your team or family.

...And The Winner Is...

The winning Christmas tree from our social media competition was Procurement! A picture of their tree with a timely hurricane theme is shown to the left .

We had a total of 11 departments participate:

Water Utility Administration

Finance

Code Enforcement

Procurement

Application Support

Licensing & Permits

Engineering Services

Planning

Performing Arts Center

Water Utility Engineering

Human Resources

We had 136 votes!

REMINDER

If you changed any of your benefits during Open Enrollment, those changes

in this paycheck. Please check your deductions to make sure you are paying the correct amount

the

you selected. If you need to review the various benefit rates, here is a link to the 2025

Insight Booklet that lists all of that information.

The Water Utility Admin Office spread holiday cheer the days leading up to Christmas with Spirit Days such as Mad for Plaid, Ugly Sweaters and Candy Cane Days

~ Submitted by Tiffany Rowe, CSRII Water Utility

NEW EMPLOYEES FROM OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

911 Dispatch

Savannah Hooper

Clerk of Court

Kelly Starkey

Detention Center

Jayden Barnett

Madison Bridges

Ayden Duncan

Olivia Flory

Walter Galloway

Aidan Goldsmith

Joseph Gonzalez

Colin McFarland

Derek Mellino

Riley Olson

Jacob Reynolds

District Attorney Molly Duncan

Geographic Information Systems

David Dobransky

Libraries

Angelica Bermudez

Kaitlyn Davidson

Probate Court

Kemi Schultz

Parks, Recreation & Events

Monica Smith

Sydney Thornton

Hannah Swanson

Jonathan Wicke

Roads & Bridges

Phillip Albertson

Kenneth Auvenshine-Kaney

Johnny Camel

Brandon Freeland

Joshua Martin

Sheriff’s Office

Paolo Michel Gay

Cole Wollett

Tax Commissioner’s Office

Chelsea Robinson

Water Utility Mechanical

John Lock

Water Utility Distribution

Daniel Newton

Risk Managment Training Schedule

National Safety Council Defensive Driving (4 Hours) at the EOC 8:30am-12:30pm

**Participants will receive a ResQme Car Escape Tool as part of our Safety Grant from LGRMS; while supplies last** Wednesday, February 5th, 2025

National Safety Council Defensive Driving (8 Hours) at the EOC 8:30am-5:00pm

**Participants will receive a ResQme Car Escape Tool as part of our Safety Grant from LGRMS; while supplies last**

Wednesday, February 26th, Thursday, March 20th, 2025

Red Cross CPR/AED & First Aid (8 Hours) at the EOC 8:30-5pm Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

Please note that Risk Management classes have been filling up fast this past year. Our classes are subject to the availability of our trainers based on their schedules The classes are also limited to the amount of space we have for attendees If there is a class on the schedule you would like to attend, please do not wait to register. If you register for a class and at any point in time realize you will not be able to attend, please inform Risk Management to open the spot for other employees.

To register contact RiskManagement@columbiacountyga gov Or call Jennifer, Polly, or Darlene at 706-312-7475 for information