ATTLEBORO - Dozens of city workers could soon be spreading exercise mats on the basement floor of city hall annex to learn yoga and relieve stress, thanks to a state grant.

The $4,000 award from the Department of Public Health is part of a pilot program to improve the health of municipal workers and reduce costs.

While the short-term goal is to help employees become healthier, the ultimate intent is a reduction in sick days and lower health insurance premiums, both of which would save money for the city, Health Agent Jim Mooney said.

The city's health department is heading up the effort and distributed about 800 surveys to city employees to determine their attitudes toward their own health and what, if anything, they would do to improve it.

Taking the survey was not mandatory and those who completed it were not asked to give their names. Just 200 of the surveys were returned and 160 of those responding were women.

More than half the respondents said they would like to participate in yoga. The second and third most popular requests were for weight management and stress reduction programs.

Mooney said he's in the process of setting up programs with the YMCA, including a yoga class and some other physical fitness activities and seminars.

Exercise classes would take place before or after working hours, but it's possible some classes on nutrition and other health topics would take place during the work day, Mooney said.

He expects to spend up to $2,000 on the programs.

Another $200 was spent on the survey and some participants will get $25 gift certificates for athletic gear, Mooney said.

Another $60 was spent on lunches for a committee to oversee the effort.

While the city has about 1,400 employees, Mooney said only 800 surveys were given out because a poor response was expected.

And while it seems counterproductive, those who took the survey were rewarded with a $2 gift certificate to Dunkin' Donuts, which is known for a variety of sweet and fattening delights.

When Mooney was asked about the conflict, he said the coupon, which was paid for with grant money, wouldn't do much damage. "How much can you buy for two dollars?" he said.

The grant, from the Department of Public Health known as the Municipal Employees Wellness Program.