Lynn Senior Center reports spending July–Feb; board discusses transportation costs and registration barriers

Director Megan Best presented an expense summary for the Lynn Senior Center covering July 1 through Feb. 25 and answered board questions about transportation and event registration.

Best reported the center incurred $5,123.46 on outside professional services, $7,175 on transportation (described as the contracted buses used for trips to the casino), and $11,034.07 on “Operation Senior Center” expenses, which she said covers Comcast, Verizon, printer and kitchen supplies. Subscriptions and memberships (including MCOA and Lend TV) totaled $8,508, and general office supplies were listed as $446.47. Best said the payroll figure on the report was inaccurate and that payroll amounts were not shared.

Board members asked whether the $7,175 transportation line covered other trips. Best said the contracted service covers casino trips and the center uses two vehicles for daily pickups. She urged seniors who want to use center transportation to register and be assessed so staff can determine whether they can safely board vehicles.

Several board members raised access and registration concerns. One board member suggested a short pre‑trip questionnaire (e.g., can you climb four steps, can you put on a seat belt) to screen potential riders before they travel to the center for an in‑person assessment; Best said she would consider that suggestion.

Best said the center’s registration and assessment rules are intended to ensure passenger and staff safety on the vehicles and to avoid last‑minute problems when a senior arrives for a trip but cannot board safely.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the financial report and transportation discussion.