Commission approves Deborah Deal for aging and disability services leadership role

The Kenosha County Human Services Committee convened on June 24, 2025, to discuss key agenda items, including the appointment of Deborah Deal to the Commission on Aging and Disability Services and a preliminary budget update for the upcoming fiscal year.

The meeting began with a resolution to approve Deborah Deal's appointment. Committee member Mister Jansen introduced Deal, who was present to answer any questions regarding her qualifications and commitment to serve. Following a brief discussion, the committee unanimously approved the resolution, with a motion by Supervisor Nardigian and a second by Supervisor Robinson. The appointment will be forwarded to the full board for a vote scheduled for July 15.

The committee then shifted focus to the budget update for the Division of Aging and Disability Services. The discussion highlighted several funding changes, primarily stemming from federal allocations. The Older Americans Act Title 3 funding will see a reduction of approximately $2,046, impacting supportive services for seniors. This funding supports various programs, including the Friendly Visitor Program and the Westosha Senior Center.

Further budget adjustments included a $3,000 decrease in the Senior Dining Program, which has a budget of $375,000, and a $1,000 reduction for Meals on Wheels, which totals $127,000. Despite these cuts, the committee noted that the overall impact on the budget remains manageable, although concerns were raised about the growing demand for services due to an aging population.

The meeting also addressed the conclusion of a pilot program for independent living support, which had provided significant assistance over the past two years but was discontinued due to state funding cuts. The program had aimed to aid nearly 500 consumers, but logistical issues hindered its effectiveness.

Committee members expressed the need for ongoing discussions about funding sources, with approximately $5 million of the $8 million budget coming from federal funds. The committee acknowledged that while the reductions are relatively small in the context of the overall budget, they do not align with the increasing needs of the senior population.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring the budget and its implications for aging and disability services in Kenosha County, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of the community.