City of Oak Harbor was recognized for the healthy choices employees are making and will save money because of it.

The city was awarded the WellCity Award by the Association of Washington Cities Employee Benefit Trust, which earns the city a 2 percent discount on its AWC Trust medical premiums in 2018.

Oak Harbor was one of 115 employers in Washington to earn the award this year. In order to qualify, the city had to meet all 40 requirements, which include having the city council and mayor approve a wellness policy and active wellness program with employee participation.

The city also had to have completed documented wellness-related activities that provide progress measurements of overall employee wellness and had 50 percent completion of a health questionnaire by covered employees and spouses on the city’s health insurance plan.

Activities that occurred in 2016 to achieve this award included physical activities, volunteer activities and a Health Benefits and Wellness Fair for employees at City Hall.