Belgrade senior center warns possible loss of Older Americans funding; board debates membership rules and summer programming

Belgrade — Staff at the Belgrade Senior Center told the advisory board at a regular meeting that continued uncertainty about federal Older Americans Act funding has put roughly $100,000 a year of the center’s budget at risk, and prompted a review of membership rules, program charges and fundraising plans.

Lisa, the center manager, said the center receives a monthly federal payment of $7,226 that supports Meals on Wheels, congregate meals and fitness classes, plus “cash in lieu” and commodities. "Between cash in lieu, our 7,000 plus payment a month, and commodities, that's about a hundred thousand dollars that's in our budget from that federal funding," she said. She told the board the state of Montana temporarily supplemented March funding but that the federal allocation remains uncertain while the Older Americans program awaits action at the federal budget level.

The potential loss matters because the center uses the federal dollars to pay for food, some staff time and other program costs. Lisa said commodities (food distributed from a state or federal warehouse) account for a modest share of that funding—about 6%—and that if the Older Americans funding is not renewed the center would need to rely more heavily on state remedies, local fundraising and reserves. "If this goes away … we would lose a hundred thousand dollars," she said.

Nut graf: The board discussed short- and medium-term steps to protect services that depend on that funding — chiefly Meals on Wheels and congregate nutrition — while weighing membership changes and written rules for outside groups that use the center’s space.

Discussion highlights

• Funding and budgets: Lisa described two contingency budgets the center is preparing — one if federal funding is restored and one if it is not — and said the city submitted several grant requests (including one routed through a legislative office identified as Sheehy’s) to cover potential shortfalls. She said the center recently received two large year-end gifts and stronger donations than expected, which have helped but do not replace federal funding.

• Program numbers: Lisa reported February and March activity totals, noting the center’s meal deliveries and congregate-meal counts rose in March. She provided counts for two months (reported in the meeting as roughly 1,116 Meals on Wheels and 506 congregate meals in February; 1,260 Meals on Wheels and about 700 congregate meals in March).

• Menu changes and food use: The center implemented a three-month menu rotation to reduce waste and reduce order volumes. Lisa said the rotation has already lowered some ordering and that food commodities are treated as a beneficial supplement rather than a core budget line because their contents vary.

• Membership dues and classes: The city approved a membership fee increase that will take effect in June. Lisa told the board the center will offer a suggested monthly payment option (about $5 per month was discussed as a break-down example) and will present the change as "suggested and voluntary" in communications. She said she will confirm with city staff (Greg) whether membership or meal rules are restricted by federal funding requirements before changing any billing practice.

• Facility use and inclusivity: Board members raised concerns that some recurring activities (for example, certain mahjong groups and a beginners’ line-dance class) had become effectively exclusive during regular center hours. Lisa said groups that remain exclusive during the center’s regular hours should either require participants to become center members or rent the facility after hours. She proposed drafting a clear policy to govern use of space and to avoid creating “cliques.” She said she will draft suggested policy language and circulate it to the advisory board for comment.

• Liability and off-site activities: Staff explained the city’s liability constraints for center-sponsored events involving transportation. If the center officially sponsors an activity that requires center-arranged transportation, the city may be exposed to liability and must provide drivers and vehicles; therefore, many summer activities must be organized independently by volunteers if they are to avoid using city vehicles or staff during unpaid time. Lisa said groups may post activities on the center’s bulletin board or organize independently but cannot be promoted in the center newsletter or be represented as a center-sponsored, city-supported event if they involve transportation.

• Fundraising and outreach: The board discussed upcoming fundraising events, including a bingo and silent auction. Lisa reported donors have contributed gift baskets, certificates and other items. She and other members discussed issuing a press release to local papers (Chronicle and Belgrade News) to clarify funding status and reassure the public after confusion in prior media coverage.

Decisions and directions

• The board approved the minutes from the prior meeting by motion (passed unanimously). That motion was recorded as approved with no opposition.

• Staff directions: Lisa will draft (a) a membership/facility-use policy for advisory board review, (b) a public update for the newsletter and local papers clarifying funding and program continuity, and (c) contingency budget scenarios. She will check with Greg (city staff) about whether membership fees can be styled as "suggested" without risking other funding sources.

• No formal budget cuts or program eliminations were decided at the meeting; the board requested staff return with a written draft policy and budget scenarios for later action.

Quotes

"Between cash in lieu, our 7,000 plus payment a month, and commodities, that's about a hundred thousand dollars that's in our budget from that federal funding," Lisa said.

"If this goes away … we would lose a hundred thousand dollars," she added when describing the risk if the Older Americans funding is not renewed.

"I don't want to build cliques," Lisa said when explaining why groups that use center hours should be asked either to open to members or pay to rent after hours.

Ending

Board members agreed to review the draft membership and facility-use policy when staff circulates it and to help with public outreach ahead of the center’s bingo fundraiser. The meeting closed after a final procedural motion.

(Reported from an advisory board meeting; meeting date not specified in the transcript.)