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Regional area-agency funding changes under SB 1249 could cut services 30% in Butte’s region, Passages director warns
Summary
Joe Cobry of Passages briefed the board on SB 1249 implementation and a proposed funding formula that could reduce funding to the five-county regional area agency on aging by about 30%, with larger cuts for some rural planning areas; he urged county monitoring and public comment at state hearings.
Joe Cobry, executive director of Passages (the regional area agency on aging that serves Butte and neighboring counties), briefed the Board of Supervisors about SB 1249 implementation and potential consequences for local services.
Cobry said SB 1249 includes provisions on boundaries, designation and the funding formula for area agencies on aging. He said counties retain a right of first refusal to seek designation as a single-county agency, but the proposed funding formula could reduce the region’s allocation by roughly 30% under the draft approach; rural planning areas could face steeper reductions.
"A 31% reduction would put meals down to about 3 days a week," Cobry said, describing a scenario where reduced funding would cut congregate or home-delivered meal days and other services for older adults. He asked the county to monitor state and federal hearings, participate in comment opportunities, and consider whether Butte County should pursue designation or other steps if the final funding model would harm services.
Board members asked about how local departments coordinate with Passages and were reassured that the agency already provides some services (including elder protective services coordination and minor home modifications) and works closely with the county on the local master plan on aging.
Cobry said the funding changes will not be implemented until FY29–30 and that Passages will testify at state and federal levels; he asked the county to watch for public hearings and to provide comment.
