Pocatello senior center requests $22,800 from Bannock County as meals, attendance rise

Tara Contreras, director of the Senior Activity Center (TELOS), told Bannock County commissioners that the center is asking the county for $22,800 this year, a $2,800 increase from the $20,000 it received previously, to support an expanding congregate meal program and related kitchen needs.

Contreras said the center served 6,000 meals to 531 seniors during January through April 2025, up from 5,299 meals to 504 seniors during the same period in 2024. "We've seen about 14 to 15% increase in our attendance," she said, and added that donations and daily participation have risen.

The request comes as the center plans a $20,000 floor replacement in its dining room, will continue a Meals on Wheels contract (while providing 70 meals four days a week to a partner program named in the presentation), and expects to expand kitchen operations to supply another local program (referred to in the presentation as "CECA"). Contreras said the center will need to hire at least one full-time kitchen manager and one part-time kitchen staff to meet that demand.

Why it matters: The congregate meal program at the Senior Activity Center provides nutrition and social connection that staff say drives both physical and mental well-being for older residents of Pocatello, Chubbuck and Bannock County. Commissioners questioned budget lines, liabilities and how the center will sustain increased meal volumes.

Contreras described changes she instituted after becoming director in October 2024, including switching to restaurant-style place settings, offering coffee and hot drinks and emphasizing the dining experience. "It didn't make sense to me that when they came to the center for lunch, they had to ask for a cup of water," she said.

On finances, Contreras described a mix of county, city and grant funding plus reimbursements and donations. She said the center receives $4 per meal from the regional council (identified in the presentation as CCOG) but that meals cost about $10 to $14 each to prepare, leaving a funding gap the center covers through grants and fundraising. She said a Lowe's grant paid for restroom renovations in the kitchen area; the presentation identified the Lowe's grant and corresponding expense line items but did not give a single consolidated figure for the grant and expense in unambiguous form during the discussion.

Commissioner questions and follow-up: A county official asked whether the center wanted the same county amount as last year; Contreras replied that she was requesting a 14% increase to $22,800. Commissioner Tim asked about a line item labelled "loans expense" of about $147,000; Contreras said she would need to review historical records (she'd been on the job since October) and follow up with county staff about a deferred liability item that appeared on the center's balance sheet.

Operations and capacity: Contreras said some kitchen staff are provided through Easterseals workforce programs (employees who are limited to 20'9 hours per week). To take on the new meal contract the center will need to add paid staff and invest in maintenance and equipment. She warned commercial-kitchen upgrades can trigger additional fire-code or ventilation requirements and cited the risk of unexpected costs.

Attendance and local impact: Contreras said Fridays often approach 100 participants, with several other days in the 80—9 range; she said suggested donations are $6 but voluntary, and daily donations have increased from roughly $20 previously to about $130 a day as meal quality and participation rose.

No formal vote was taken during the presentation. Contreras said she would follow up with county staff on outstanding balance-sheet and liability questions and requested the county's consideration of the $22,800 appropriation at a later date.

"If we can get people there for the food, they'll stay for the relationships," Contreras said. "They're not only adding healthy foods to their diet, they're increasing their well-being."