Columbus council authorizes study of separating Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging amid union concerns

Columbus City Council on Monday voted to allow the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) to study transitioning from a city-run agency into a standalone regional entity, a move council members said is aimed at improving the agency’s sustainability and alignment with state program requirements.

The council approved ordinance 0 7 4 9 — which permits COAAA to contract with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission to explore governance and operational options described in COAAA’s 2024 strategic plan — after discussion about protections for more than 300 bargaining-unit staff who currently work for the agency.

Councilmember Shayla D. Green, chair of the Health, Human Services and Equity Committee, said the study is intended to help COAAA meet new state and federal requirements and to ensure uninterrupted services to older adults across eight counties served by the agency.

"This ordinance would permit COAAA to enter into a partnership agreement with the Mid‑Ohio Regional Planning Commission to explore those strategies," Green said before moving adoption. The council approved the ordinance by roll call vote.

Why it matters: COAAA provides home visits, case management and other in‑home services to thousands of older adults across Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties. Council members and the administration said the agency’s growing scope and changes required by Ohio Medicaid’s MyCare Next Generation model make it timely to consider a governance change intended to preserve service quality and financial stability.

Union leaders urged the city to guarantee job protections before any separation moves forward. Hugh Williams, president of Communications Workers of America Local 4502, told council that his union represents about 330 COAAA social workers, licensed practical nurses and other staff who perform tens of thousands of home visits annually.

"Our members want economic security for themselves and their families," Williams said. "They want to know that they will have a job if COAAA separates from the city. They want to know that their pay rate is secure if COAAA separates from the city. They want to know that they will not experience a reduction in their insurance and other benefits set forth in their collective bargaining agreement."

Councilmembers pressed for assurances that employee terms would be protected in any transition. Human Resources Director Chris Moses responded directly to that point: "If this does move forward, the city would be obligated to bargain with the union ... any changes that affect their terms and conditions of employment," Moses said.

Councilmembers including Dayakower and President Pro Tem Dorrance said they support beginning the study but made clear future approvals would be contingent on satisfactory resolutions for employees’ job security, wages and benefits.

The ordinance passed on council action. Councilmembers noted the study’s stated target timeline for transition is by 2026, allowing several months for planning and negotiations if the agency pursues separation.

The council also approved a separate, earlier ordinance the committee considered tonight — 0 7 4 5 — continuing the City’s "Elevate 2" funding program for local social‑service agencies. That ordinance authorizes up to $4,570,000 in grants to nonprofit providers under the Elevate 2 framework to stabilize core organizational capacity and service delivery. Director Stevens (Development) described positive results providers reported under the multi‑year program.

Looking ahead, council members said any legislation that would effectuate a concrete separation would come later and would need to address collective‑bargaining obligations and the specific terms for transferring employees and benefits.

Ending: Council approved the study authorization and the Elevate 2 funding ordinance on voice/roll call votes. City staff will work with COAAA and MORPC to complete the governance study and return findings to council before any further action.