Senior club urges trustees for transportation support as members discuss liability and options

Members of the Crosby Township Senior Club asked trustees Monday for financial backing and help obtaining transportation for seniors who cannot drive.

Ron Beecher, president of the Crosby Township Senior Club, said a memorandum outlining cost‑savings proposals had been discussed by club members and that several recommendations were rejected by the club. He asked trustees to consider funding operating costs, supplies and a van to transport seniors who cannot drive. "I am asking you, the trustees of Crosby Township, funding for operating costs and supplies for activities," Beecher said.

Trustees and staff raised liability, insurance and driver‑qualification concerns about owning and operating a township vehicle. Trustee (speaker 1) suggested renting through a bus company or using Council on Aging vans rather than maintaining a township‑owned vehicle, citing insurance exposure if the township owned and operated a van. Senior club members said county and Council on Aging vans have scheduling limits that can constrain trips, especially for out‑of‑area excursions or evening events.

Club members discussed alternatives including contracting with accessible private carriers (for example, companies that provide wheelchair storage and lifts) and collecting data on past trip head counts so trustees can assess bus size and cost. Trustees asked the senior club to provide trip head counts and the estimated cost per excursion so the board can evaluate a funding request.

The board did not commit funds at the meeting but asked senior club leaders to return with usage numbers and cost estimates for consideration at a future meeting.