Commission on Aging asks Washington County for $300,000 to reduce wait lists for seniors

The Washington County Commission on Aging asked the county commissioners for an additional $300,000 — a 21% increase — to help stabilize services for older residents and address long wait lists.

Ed Lowe, president of the Commission on Aging, told commissioners the agency is the federally mandated area agency on aging under the Older Americans Act and that county investment “ensures compliance with federal and state requirements and positions the county to maximize outside funding streams.” He said the agency currently has more than 550 Washington County residents waiting for services, including 315 awaiting an eligibility appointment and 140 waiting for Meals on Wheels.

Tim Delbridge, the commission’s vice president, outlined the group’s finances and cash‑flow pressure, saying the FY27 budget projects “a $332,103 use of net assets” because federal Maryland Access Point funds arrived late and federal reporting has shifted. Delbridge said changes to Older Americans Act regulations implemented in October 2025 have added documentation tasks that pull staff away from direct service and that the agency has high turnover: “Last year, we lost 12 people, which is 33.2% of turnover in 2025.” He also said a market salary study found most staff are paid well below market percentiles, informing the request for modest across‑the‑board increases.

The commission quantified the meals need: Delbridge said food costs about $10 per meal and that serving the 140 people on the meals wait list would require about $561,491 in additional funding as presented to the board.

Al Martin, the commission treasurer, summarized revenue sources: the requested county contribution represents roughly 37–38% of the commission’s approximately $4.5 million budget; about 20% of revenue comes from the state (including federal pass‑through funds), about 21% from federal sources, and about 13% from local grants and in‑kind support. The commissioners’ in‑kind donation of building space for the senior center was valued in the presentation at $433,600.

Commissioners and staff asked how seniors sign up for services. Amy Olak, the commission’s CEO, said membership to the senior center is free to people 55 and older, public transportation serves the facility, and there were more than 1,600 active members as of December. Olak advised residents to “be proactive and get on that list before you have a critical need,” noting average wait times for an eligibility appointment currently run about four to six months.

The presentation closed with the commission asking for favorable consideration during the county’s formal budget process; commissioners thanked the presenters and agreed to follow up as budget work continues.