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Senior Companion and Foster Grandparent directors ask commissioners for $10,000 to support mileage, recognition and recruitment
Summary
Program directors Kelly Moody and Angela presented to the council on March 5 seeking $10,000 in county support (split $5,000 each) to cover transportation, volunteer recognition and program match; the request was a presentation only and commissioners outlined the budget/contract steps for formal funding.
Kelly Moody, Senior Companion Program Director, and Angela, Foster Grandparent Program director, presented their programs to the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners on March 5 and asked for continued financial support.
Moody said the Senior Companion volunteers help homebound seniors and adults with disabilities remain independent through transportation, companionship and respite. "Transportation is the biggest need, within our communities," Moody said, listing medical appointments, grocery trips and errands as the most frequent volunteer tasks. She said Butte-Silver Bow currently has 13 Senior Companion volunteers and that volunteers receive a stipend and mileage reimbursement through AmeriCorps; the program also needs 10% local match for federal grants. Moody requested $5,000 for the Senior Companion program to help cover mileage and recognition expenses and to support the program match.
Angela described the Foster Grandparent Program’s work in early-childhood and elementary classrooms, saying volunteers provide one-on-one mentoring for students with academic, social or developmental needs. "A lot of the teachers... say having that volunteer sit with them for an hour a day, they can make huge gains," she said. Angela reported 19 Foster Grandparent volunteers in the Butte community and requested $5,000 for mileage reimbursement, uniforms and volunteer recognition events.
Funding and process: Commissioners and staff clarified that the March 5 presentation did not authorize spending. Commissioner Morgan and the county budget director described the process: a separate communication and proposed contract must be submitted and the council would consider any budget changes as part of the next fiscal-year process. Director Hasler said the $10,000 request would be for the next fiscal year and that, if approved by the council, the budget would be amended in the FY25 budget cycle.
Program risks and constraints: Moody and Angela said recruitment and volunteer retention are challenges, and noted uncertainty in federal AmeriCorps funding—"it's a day-to-day thing," Moody said—but that "so far, so good" regarding current awards. Moody said mileage reimbursement has recently risen from 45¢ to 50¢ per mile; she is budgeting for 55¢ and mentioned the federal rate in conversation. Angela told commissioners the federal mileage rate is 70¢ per mile and that program reimbursements remain below that level.
Outcome: The council did not award funds on March 5. Commissioners thanked the presenters and indicated staff and the presenters will follow the county’s contract and budget process if the programs submit a formal funding request.
