Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Senior Meals topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Oakley council votes to cover county cut to Studio 55 meal program
Summary
Oakley will temporarily fund a county-imposed reduction to the Cafe Costa meals served at Studio 55, an action estimated at about $800 per month and approved unanimously to maintain lunches for seniors through the fiscal year.
The Oakley City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 6 to have the city cover a shortfall after Contra Costa County reduced the Cafe Costa meal allocation to Studio 55, city staff said.
Administrative Services Director Jerry told the council the county reduced the monthly meal cap for Studio 55 from an average of 409 meals to 282 beginning Jan. 1, creating a potential loss of roughly 127 meals per month. Staff presented three options and recommended the city pay the difference using the general fund contingency for the remainder of the fiscal year. Jerry estimated the cost at about $800 per month, or under $5,000 through the fiscal year, and said the county expects to fully fund the program next fiscal year.
The recommendation would allow existing participants — including some nonresidents who have been part of the program since July 2025 — to continue receiving meals; new participants would be limited to Oakley residents if the city is funding the added meals. Jerry said the county contract technically bars turning people away, which complicates enrollment rules when the city covers some costs.
Council members asked how the county arrived at the shortfall and whether the city should plan for repeated funding cuts. Council Member Williams pushed for contingency planning, saying community meals are important and the council should prepare a "plan B, plan C" in case the need grows. Jerry said the county underestimated demand when budgeting and hopes next year’s estimates will be more accurate.
Council Member Fuller asked for participation numbers; staff reported 186 renewed memberships and an estimated 2,452 total meals served through December. After discussion Vice Mayor Meadows moved to approve staff’s option to fund the difference; Council Member Shaw seconded and the motion passed 5-0.
The council directed staff to continue coordinating with the county on enrollment rules and to return with additional planning if the county funding shortfall appears likely to recur.
