County to appropriate $3,275 for Operation Fan heat‑relief program for seniors and adults with disabilities

Forsyth County Department of Social Services staff asked commissioners June 2 to appropriate $3,275 provided to the county through the area agency on aging for Operation Fan, a heat‑relief program that purchases and distributes box fans to older adults and people with disabilities.

Tere Stafford, the department representative, said the funds come from the area agency on aging and originate from energy providers, including Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress and Dominion. She said no county general fund dollars are required. Recipients may pick up fans at the agency or staff will deliver them.

Stafford said the county began distributing fans in early May and had used a carryover surplus from last year to begin distribution; she said there is currently no waiting list. She told commissioners retail prices for the box fans the program distributes have risen and that current market prices run roughly $15–$25 per fan; Stafford said program staff aim to buy the least expensive model that meets UL safety standards.

When asked, staff estimated the program typically distributes about 100–130 fans per year in ordinary seasons. Commissioners suggested the county purchasing office explore whether a state price contract or bulk procurement timing (May–June) could produce lower per‑fan prices for all counties; Stafford and other staff said they would follow up.

No formal vote was recorded at the briefing; the item appeared on the agenda as an amendment to the FY25 budget ordinance to appropriate the program funds.