Loading...
2018-11-27 Meeting with LC Seniors Board PresidentMeeting with LC Seniors Board President November 27, 2018 1:35 p.m. Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Becky Butler, Wayne Whiton, Ron Averill Guests: Alex Brown, various members public, including members of the area senior centers Recorder: Rieva Lester Lewis County Seniors Board President Ron Averill said the Lewis County Seniors Board would like the commissioners to earmark for 2019 $100,000 for the senior centers’ nutrition programs, a $50,000 increase from what the county currently has earmarked in its preliminary budget. Ron said the centers served 34,702 meals in 2017 and have served 31,568 meals year to date for 2018, putting the centers on track to exceed the previous year’s amount. Ron noted that the federal government provides roughly 85 percent of the nutrition funding. He said “suggested donations” help bridge that gap. He said a DSHS grant helped bridge the gap in 2017 and that the group didn’t receive the grant for 2018. Ron said the group would have to make cuts if the county doesn’t give it the additional $50,000. He acknowledged that the county rents its facilities to the group for $1, and he thanked the county for its past support. Zora DeGrandpre said the centers have seen an 11 percent increase in the number of people it serves. Commissioner Jackson said his understanding was that the centers had a combined $150,000 in an account. Ron said each center has its own 501©3 for enrichment programs. He said each center also is asked to contribute to the centers as a whole to offset costs and that collectively the group contributed more than $90,000. Zora and Ron discussed events, etc., designed to increase interest in the centers. Guy Spratt of Toledo discussed the important role the senior centers play. He discussed the high cost of indigent defense, which he noted hurts the county’s bottom line. Commissioner Fund invited the group to join her and the other commissioners as they ask the state for help regarding unfunded mandates. B.L. Buschlen read a statement. Commissioner Stamper, Ron and Zora discussed grant possibilities. Charlene Woodring discussed the importance of the nutrition programs at the senior centers. Commissioner Jackson left at 2:30 p.m. Marcia Brady discussed the financial struggles seniors face. She also stressed the importance of the nutrition programs, as well as the enrichment programs. Margaret Toevs discussed the importance of the centers. An audience member discussed the parking lots and asked who is in charge of the grounds, noting that the parking lots get slick and pose a safety hazard. Maggie Davis discussed her volunteer efforts. Commissioner Stamper made a motion to contribute an additional $50,000 to the Lewis County Seniors Board for nutrition programs for 2019. Commissioner Fund seconded. Motion passed 2-0. Ron said the LC Seniors Board will hold a meeting Dec. 6. Meeting ended at 2:44 p.m.