Prince George's County Council members, county staff and senior residents met virtually to launch the 1st Holistic and Sustainable Solutions for Senior Citizens Task Force and review the resolution CR-53-2024 that created it.

Saundra Eubanks, committee director for the Health, Human Services, and Public Safety Committee, opened the meeting and reviewed the resolution, saying, “The task force will conduct an in-depth review of existing services, identify gaps, and work to address the challenges faced by the senior population, including financial constraints and the lack of available services.”

The task force’s stated goals in CR-53-2024 include a comprehensive assessment of needs such as housing and tax policies; development of a strategic plan with holistic solutions; collaboration with government and nonprofit partners; quarterly updates to the County Council and county executive; and an annual report with equitable, sustainable recommendations.

Council member Sydney Harrison, who is chairing the task force, told members the group will meet monthly and pursue detailed briefings from county agencies and partners. “The extension for the year and meeting monthly is the opportunity to meet with all these agencies and really discuss in-depth,” Harrison said, emphasizing attention to housing affordability, health care, transportation and food insecurity.

Saundra Eubanks noted the task force was to begin in October 2024 with a report due Feb. 28 and that the task force did not meet that schedule. She said a revised resolution will be taken to the council to extend the task force’s timeframe to one year and to set monthly meetings. That revised resolution had not yet been introduced or voted on during the meeting.

Representatives from county agencies gave brief introductions of services they administer. Tonya Parker Fullwood, bureau chief for adult services at the Department of Social Services, described programs ranging from adult protective services investigations to community-based senior care and in-home aide services. Linda Allen, deputy director of finance, said the Office of Finance administers county tax-credit programs for seniors, including a homeowners credit with an income cap and a renter’s credit.

Several senior members and community representatives emphasized gaps in health-care access and the need for clearer information about available services. Jacqueline Gisette urged the task force to invite hospital and medical facility representatives to explain persistent quality and access issues at the county’s hospital. Beverly Ball and other seniors said many residents do not know the resources available to them and that online-only communications are a barrier. Saundra Finley Jackson asked whether Meals on Wheels serves the entire county; a county social services representative said the department would provide details after the meeting.

Participants raised specific policy and program questions for the task force to examine, including the county’s senior tax credit income threshold (currently set at $60,000 for one county-administered credit), whether state law constrains local eligibility rules, how to expand outreach so eligible seniors learn about and apply for credits, transportation access in neighborhoods without nearby grocery or medical services, and local food-insecurity trends cited by Harrison.

The task force roster, as discussed in the meeting, includes representatives from the Office of Finance, Department of Social Services, Department of Parks and Recreation (senior activity centers and nutrition programs), AARP Suitland chapter, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and three senior representatives from the county’s northern, central and southern areas. Several invited partners — the Prince George's County Association of Realtors and the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation — were not present and will be invited to future meetings.

Members agreed to keep meetings virtual and to post recordings on the council website. Staff said they will circulate the revised resolution and membership list and will attempt to provide telephonic reminders in addition to email for seniors who prefer phone contact.

No formal vote or adoption occurred during the meeting; staff and the chairs said they would return with scheduling and the revised extension for the council to consider. The task force plans to use agency briefings, community testimony and data to develop recommendations during the yearlong review.