Office for the Aging gets $81,028 budget boost for long-term care ombudsman program; seniors eligible for extra farmers-market booklets

The Tompkins County Health & Human Services Committee on Sept. 17 approved a budget adjustment increasing funding for the Office for the Aging’s long‑term care ombudsman program by $81,028, county Office for the Aging Director Lisa Monroe said. Monroe said the additional funds represent leftover American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars that were included as a legislative add to the governor’s budget; the increase reduces or eliminates the county share of the ombudsman program for the current year. The committee approved the motion unanimously (moved by Randy Brown; seconded by Amanda Champion). Why it matters: the funding increase supports the ombudsman program that advocates for residents of long‑term care facilities and reduces local fiscal pressure on the county budget. Additional office updates: Monroe said representatives from NYSOFA (New York State Office for the Aging) were conducting a program evaluation in the office that day. She also told the committee the senior farmers-market coupon program is issuing a second round of booklet booklets through Sept. 30; coupons issued this year may be used through Nov. 30. Monroe encouraged eligible seniors to pick up booklets before the Sept. 30 cut-off. Committee action: the budget adjustment resolution passed unanimously. Monroe said she had not received extensive direct public feedback about the Office for the Aging’s planned move to Dutch Mill but that an advisory board had questions; that board planned to discuss the matter with legislators on Friday. Ending: Monroe and committee members said the additional funding provides short-term fiscal relief for the county and supports ombudsman services for long‑term care residents.