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Pasco May Pass on Hiring Smokers

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By JULIA FERRANTE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 27, 2008

DADE CITY - Pasco County government offices could soon become smoke free.

County commissioners this morning directed their staff and attorneys to research changing policy so that all new employees would have to commit to being nonsmokers.

Commissioner Michael Cox, who sits on the county's insurance committee, suggested the idea after the board hired Aetna as its new insurance provider. As part of its contract with the county, Aetna also will give the county $20,000 for wellness programs that could include smoking cessation.

Commission Chairman Ted Schrader noted that Sarasota County implemented a similar program.

Manatee County implemented a smoke-free worker policy five years ago, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said, although that county is self-insured, he said.

"It's a carrot-and-stick approach," the county attorney said. "You get a more reduced health plan if you continue to smoke."

Cox said the goal of such a program is "to have as healthy an environment as we can."

Schrader questioned whether such a program would be discrimination.

County Administrator John Gallagher said his staff will research the issue.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

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