Parachute senior center, advisory board composition raised at Garfield County public comment

Mary Jane Hayes, a long-time local advocate for older adults, told the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners on March 10 she believes the county needs stronger oversight of senior services and that a Department of Human Services staff member should not serve as a voting member of the county’s senior advisory board.

Hayes said she serves on the county advisory board for older adults and cited the advisory group’s bylaws to say its role is to “advise the BOCC on all aspects of the implementation and direction of the Department of Human Services as their operation of the senior programs and senior issues in general.” She added: “I disagree with having a staff member from the Garfield County Department of Social Services as a representative from Garfield County on that advisory board.”

Hayes told commissioners she believes the current arrangement creates a conflict of interest because the advisory board is meant to advise the department that provides the programs. She said she is concerned that “too much money is going into administration, not enough is going into programs,” and urged the county to increase oversight given the range of federal, state and county funding that supports older‑adult services.

Hayes also raised the status of the Parachute senior center building. She said the Garfield County Housing Authority has offered to sell the building to the seniors’ board or group but that many seniors are reluctant to accept the liability and ongoing financial responsibility. She said Alpine Bank has historically helped pay rent for the center and asked whether that assistance continues; commissioners and staff confirmed Alpine Bank remains a supporter.

Commissioners responded to Hayes’ request for oversight. A commissioner who identified himself as the county liaison for senior matters said he would resume that role and attend the advisory board meetings, noting scheduling will determine his ability to attend in person. Commissioners discussed coordinating with the town of Parachute and the housing authority to seek a resolution for the building’s future.

Hayes noted funding sources for the programs include the Older Americans Act (federal), state allocations and Garfield County contributions; she warned that if federal Older Americans Act funds were reduced or eliminated, associated state and county funds could also be affected.

The commissioners asked staff to ensure county liaison coverage for senior issues and to follow up with the parties involved in Parachute regarding the senior center building.

The discussion arose during the public comment portion of the March 10 meeting and did not include formal board action.