The City Commission on June 2 approved a memorandum of understanding with the University of Southwest to use the university’s kitchen for meals prepared for the Hobbs Senior Center and Meals on Wheels program.

Recreation Director Doug McDaniel told the commission the monthly rate remains $1,500 — $18,000 per year — unchanged from the 2024 agreement. He said this year those costs will be covered by state grant funding that the senior center received and that “there's technically no cost to the city for this year's agreement.” He said about 52,000 meals were prepared at USW in 2024 and the program is trending about 3,000 additional meals in 2025.

The nut graf: the MOU preserves the existing catering arrangement for the senior center and meals‑on‑wheels delivery; staff said grant funding will cover the contract this fiscal year.

The resolution (No. 7627) was moved by Commissioner Fields and seconded by Commissioner Girth. Miss Jan Fletcher called the roll; the commission voted in favor and the mayor recorded a yes vote, approving the agreement.

Ending: Staff will continue program operations under the MOU; commissioners thanked McDaniel and meal partners for service to seniors.