Council grants $2,500 to Senior Citizens Inc. for parking lot repairs and accessibility

The Lebanon City Council voted May 27 to award a $2,500 grant to Senior Citizens Inc., 707 South Lebanon Street, to help pave and restripe its parking lot and improve accessibility for older members.

Becky Oettinger, who identified herself as representing Senior Citizens Inc., described the center’s mission: “Our mission is to get people out of their homes, senior citizens out of their homes for some entertainment, some, fellowship.” She told the council the group runs bingo, card games and social dinners and that the center serves many long‑time participants, including several in their 60s and older.

Oettinger said the group had secured $5,000 from Boone County REMC and raised about $2,000 from a chicken‑and‑noodle fundraiser, leaving a $2,500 shortfall for the parking lot project. The food and beverage committee met with the group and recommended the full $2,500 be granted. A councilmember moved to award the requested amount, a second followed, and the council approved the grant by voice vote.

Members and staff noted the center also offers free post‑funeral dinners for families who need the space and that the rental hall seats about 85 people and includes a full kitchen. Council discussion emphasized preserving the center as a community gathering place and improving safety and accessibility for attendees.

The grant is a one‑time allocation from the city’s food and beverage committee funds and will be used toward paving, resealing and restriping the center’s parking area; the meeting record does not specify the vendor, schedule or exact contractor costs.