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Office for the Aging to keep Copenhagen congregate meal site open through year while planning 2026 changes
Summary
County Office for the Aging staff reported declining participation at the Copenhagen congregate meal site and recommended keeping it open through the end of the year while developing a 2026 budget plan for service configuration; county contributes roughly $350,000 annually toward the overall meals program.
Office for the Aging staff briefed the Human Services Committee on participation trends at congregate meal sites and proposed a short‑term approach while longer‑range budget planning proceeds.
Tim (county staff) reported that participation at the Copenhagen congregate meal site had declined and the county is exploring whether to retain the site in its current model. He said there are three models of service the county operates: Meals on Wheels deliveries, congregate meal sites (four days per week at six sites), and a hybrid restaurant‑style site in West Leyden. The Copenhagen site will remain open through the end of the year while Office for the Aging Director Carla begins meetings with legislators to shape the 2026 budget plan.
Tim said the Office for the Aging's overall meals budget is approximately $700,000 annually, with roughly $350,000 of that paid by Lewis County and the balance coming from New York State. He said Meals on Wheels represents the largest portion of operations and that county staff will work with legislators and other stakeholders to design a plan that preserves services for the most seniors possible given funding constraints.
Committee members asked to be included in planning, especially legislators representing affected districts. County staff said outreach and meeting with legislators would begin to shape the 2026 budget request and options for alternative service configurations.
No formal vote was recorded; staff presented options and a short‑term plan to keep the Copenhagen site operating while preparing next year's budget proposals.
