2023-12-19 Update with Lewis County SeniorsLewis County Seniors Update
December 19, 2023
11:03 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Swope, Commissioner Brummer, Commissioner Pollock, County Manager Ryan
Barrett, Becky Butler
Guest(s): Carol Brock, Ron Averill, Nicole Barr, Dusty Ross, Tim Wood, Greg Rohr, Debbie Aust, Elizabeth
Hicker
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Public comment: None
Nicole Barr said meal counts through November saw a dip in participation in August through October.
Nicole presented the 2024 budget. She said she feels there is not a lot of room for any extras without
having additional fundraising opportunities.
Nicole presented proposed bylaw changes to the BOCC. Nicole said she feels these are more geared
towards the operation of the senior centers. There are responsibilities that outline all the roles and
responsibilities.
Nicole said there will be an advisory committee to provide information to the Board. The Board now has
10 members.
Commissioner Brummer asked about the role of the Lewis Mason Thurston Area Agency on Aging
(LMTAA) members with the Lewis County Senior Board. Commissioner Pollock asked how the Older
Americans Act (OAA) played a part in seniors funding as well. Commissioner Brummer asked clarifying
questions regarding the Seniors groups meetings. It appears there have been challenges in regularly
occurring meetings.
Carol said changes in conjunction with the new bylaws will occur during the Board retreat. Nicole said
the Lewis County Seniors are finally fully staffed. They would like to change from an executive director
to executive staff. Commissioner Brummer noted that the profit and loss statement is not up to date.
Nicole said there are deposits that are missing from the sheet.
Debbie Aust said the average cost of meals is $12. Debbie said this is a higher cost than other counties.
Debbie said she visited other centers and feels there may be disparities that Lewis County can fix and
overcome.
Nicole said she has broken apart each of the senior centers to figure the costs associated with running
each building.
Nicole broke apart the differences between congregate meals and enrichment meals. Congregate meals
are provided by funding from LMTAAA, and the enrichment meals are provided by funding from outside
sources.
Commissioner Swope encouraged building a collaboration between the LMTAAA Board and the Seniors
Board. Commissioner Swope said costs have increased due to inflation and that the costs associated
with food create larger burdens.
Carol said Facilities has been helpful with advocating for more funding for repairs on the senior
buildings.
Meeting ended at 12:14 a.m.