Bird Cities senior center asks Cheyenne County for $7,500 to cover internet and repairs

Patty, a representative of the Bird Cities Area on Aging Senior Center, told county officials she reviewed the center's records after taking over management in December and found the center routinely spent more than it took in and lacks basic services such as a telephone and internet.

She asked the county to consider increasing the center's appropriation and said the center is requesting $7,500 to help cover internet installation, facility repairs and small program expenses. “The senior center pretty much operates on the very, very basics. They do not even have a telephone. They don't have Internet,” Patty said.

Nut graf: The request came during the meeting's public-comment portion as county staff prepare next year’s budget. Patty described both recurring operating shortfalls over recent years and several one-time capital needs — blinds that are difficult for older residents to reach, worn awnings that may need replacement, and bathroom upgrades — and said grants have covered some but not all needs.

Patty said the center relies on outside meal providers and volunteers rather than in-house cooking, and that community groups use the building for regular activities. She described efforts to make the center more welcoming, including recent new furniture purchased using match-day funds, and said grant applications are pending for projects such as a new awning. “We have ideas of bringing some of the high school seniors to work with senior seniors on their telephones and their computers and teaching them things, but we don't have the means to do that,” she said.

Patty described a recently purchased treadmill and exercise equipment intended for rehabilitation use, and listed other maintenance needs including ceiling fans and bathroom updates. She said she had spoken with county staff about how past funding levels were determined and learned the prior manager had not requested increases; she asked the county to consider a larger allocation in the next budget cycle (budget-year 2026 was mentioned as the earliest the county could change appropriations).

Ending: County commissioners acknowledged the request and noted the budget process will be starting soon. Patty said she is new to the role and continuing to organize financial records and pursue grants; she offered to answer follow-up questions as staff review funding options.