Cumberland County commissioners on July 23 approved short-term extensions of aging services grant agreements that will provide immediate revenue while county staff and commissioners expressed concern about delayed state and federal funding.

Kim Linton, speaking for Aging and Community Services, said the county will extend an Older Americans Act cooperative grant through Sept. 30 to receive an additional $641,255 for the three-month extension and will extend a Medicaid-related agreement (referred to in the meeting as "aging title 19") to Sept. 30 to receive $89,485 for the same period. Linton also said the county expected to receive $162,031 for July and August under a separate PennCares arrangement, though timing could shift while state negotiations continue.

Commissioners voted to approve the extensions. During discussion, one commissioner repeatedly cautioned that county operations depend on reliable state and federal funding and said the county had already advanced local funds for items — including electric vehicle infrastructure — that were expected to be reimbursed by grants. "We cannot live in this world for very long," the commissioner said, urging attention from state and federal partners and noting a meeting scheduled with a congressional office to seek assistance.

Linton told the board county staff had previously expected two-to-three weeks for payment, but the county received a letter from the governor’s budget office that could delay timing. Commissioners asked to be promptly informed when funds arrive.

The motions to extend the cooperative and Medicaid-related agreements were moved and seconded and passed unanimously. County staff will monitor incoming funds and report back to the board.