BLOOMINGTON - Should a city of Bloomington department head who earns nearly $115,000 annually teach gift-wrapping to employees?Should the city spend $26 to provide lunch for employees who want to learn? | Free city rides story | City budget story

Mayor Steve Stockton defended the class as a "good stress reliever," but others wonder about the message it sends at a time when the upcoming budget has a $3 million shortfall and city finances are under strict scrutiny.

"Certainly gift-wrapping doesn't go directly for job skills," the mayor said. "But if it is a good stress reliever and a good way for employees to take a break, it was probably worth the $26. If the council believes that is a waste, then I would kick in $26 of my own money for it."

In December, Human Resources Director Emily Bell gave package-wrapping tips to employees as part of the city's Lunch and Learn wellness program.

Bow-making and gift-wrapping are things Bell said she enjoys, and the program was a fun way to interact with city staff during the holidays.

"If I choose to give one hour of my time from time-to-time to help employees and make it a positive experience for them, what is wrong with that?" Bell said.

But Ward 4 Alderman Judy Stearns said the $26 lunch program is among city expenses that should be scrutinized.

"It is hard for me to imagine how that would benefit the taxpayers and the citizens," Stearns said.

Bell has taught the class for several years. City Manager Tom Hamilton said Bell volunteers her time and materials to conduct the program. Employees attend during their unpaid lunch hour and bring their own wrapping paper.

Mayor Steve Stockton said some costs are necessary not only to keep good employees but to keep them happy.

Other lunch-hour programs have focused on weight loss, investing, planning for college and scrapbooking, Hamilton said. Some, such as sessions on Internet safety and gardening, have used city-employed experts. Others have been taught by professionals in the community.

The annual cost is about $800.

"We do some fun things in these programs, but there is nothing wrong with doing something nice for your employees," Hamilton said.