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Emmons County Senior Services says state review paused some funds; local program reports rebound and plans to expand meals-on-wheels
Summary
County senior-services leaders reported recent state review of financial controls at an associated board led to a partial hold and an audit; Emmons County received a funds release and said meal service operations are stable, new frozen-meal capacity is online and Meals on Wheels service to Strasburg will start in late February.
Emmons County Senior Services representatives told the board Feb. 11 that a state review of a regional senior-services body led to a temporary hold and an ordered release of some funds designated for Emmons County, and that a broader financial audit of the regional entity has been requested.
Background and state review: The county’s senior-services leadership said the state director on aging had convened a meeting of the regional board and county officials after identifying problems with financial reports, withheld funds and questions about how some meal sites were closed. Following the meeting, the regional secretary‑treasurer was ordered by local commissioners to release the Emmons County‑designated funds that had been held; the county’s senior-services representatives said a check was received during the meeting.
Audit and uncertainties: The regional entity will conduct a records review starting in 2020 — the period when large federal COVID funds were distributed — and the county was told a complete audit could follow. Emmons County Senior Services representatives said that auditing and review will take time (they estimated through the summer) and that it is unclear whether additional funds will be returned.
Local operations and program changes: Senior-services staff said Emmons County’s local program is currently financially stable because of local contributions and the funds received. The center purchased a blast freezer and has started offering frozen meals, which staff said increased meal distribution (the presenters reported 58 frozen meals distributed on a recent day). The presenters also said one full‑time cook recently left and that hiring for part‑time staff is ongoing.
Expansion plan: The presenters said Emmons County will begin delivering Meals on Wheels service to Strasburg in late February and currently has three volunteers signed up for that route; one volunteer expects to be unavailable in the spring and staff said additional volunteers will be needed.
Why it matters: Senior meals and home-delivered food are a core county social-service function for older residents. County officials praised local staff and volunteers and said the county should explore sustainable revenue options — including a voter-approved mill levy increase for senior services in a future ballot — if the board chooses to pursue long-term funding beyond donations and yearly grants.
Speakers at the briefing included representatives of Emmons County Senior Services and county commissioners; county staff did not take immediate action but asked for updates as the audit process proceeds.
