Representatives of the Hub (the community senior center in Grand Marais) told the Committee of the Whole on June 17 that rising patronage and limited grant coverage for salaries leave the center near a budget gap and asked that Cook County restore a line‑item county contribution of $125,000 yearly to cover building and personnel costs.

Hub board members and volunteers described a rapid increase in participation tied to an aging county population (staff cited U.S. Census figures that about 32.7% of Cook County residents are age 65 or over). The Hub’s leaders said the center operates a congregate meal program, Meals on Wheels and community programming (yoga, Tai Chi, bone‑builder exercise, craft groups), and partners with AEOA for meal reimbursement. They described a current total operating budget of roughly $225,000 and four employees (a full‑time coordinator, full‑time cook, part‑time accounting and part‑time cleaning staff).

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the center provides socialization and basic services that reduce isolation and support older residents; the Hub argued a county contribution would be an efficient way to maintain services that help a large share of county residents.

Details: Hub representatives said much of their programming is free to participants and that most grants will not cover salaries. They said the Hub maintains a working seven‑member volunteer board, fundraising (pancake breakfasts, chili feed), and modest reserves, but annual grant awards have been inconsistent; recent public‑health grant awards to the Hub have been in the $60,000–$70,000 range. The Hub requested a $125,000 line item to fund the balance of operating costs (building, staff salaries and utilities) and offered to host commissioners for a meal and site visit so board members could see operations.

Commissioner discussion: Commissioners asked for comparative data on how other senior centers structure funding and how much the county previously contributed (a commissioner recalled a prior $50,000 line item in earlier years). Several commissioners asked for additional documentation that converts program outputs and volunteer contributions into dollarized community benefits as part of budget evaluation.

What’s next: County staff said the budget committee will review the request during departmental budget hearings and follow the usual appropriation process; Hub leaders were invited to provide documentation and to host commissioners at the center.

Ending: Hub leaders reiterated the center’s social‑service role and asked the board to consider a line‑item restoration as part of the 2026 budget process.