Commission on Aging asks Washington County commissioners for $250,000 boost amid staffing, mandate and guardianship strains

The Washington County Commission on Aging asked the Washington County Board of County Commissioners for a $250,000 increase in its FY26 county allocation, saying federal and state funding delays, staffing shortages and new mandates are straining services for older adults and people with disabilities.

Amy Olak, CEO of the Washington County Commission on Aging, told the commissioners the agency served about 10,500 individuals across its programs in 2024 and provided 52,533 meals. "Our reimbursable funding model through the state and federal government creates cash flow challenges due to delays in the reimbursement process," Olak said, adding that the agency was awaiting more than $300,000 in payments after a state and federal reimbursement freeze. Ed Loeb, president of the commission's board, gave program totals during the presentation, noting the agency distributed $1,632,314 in benefits to older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities in 2024 and that more than $500,000 of that was related to Medicare Part D assistance.

Why it matters: Commissioners heard that local demand is rising while some grant funding is expiring and new state and federal requirements carry costs that the agency says are not…