Council on Aging asks for small equipment and contingency funds as elder-bus grant status remains uncertain

Michelle, representing the Council on Aging, presented the senior center’s FY27 operating request and a short narrative packet to the board. The request was modest: a $700 replacement smart TV for the lunchroom presentation screen, roughly $2,000 in contingency for periodic commercial kitchen repairs, and continued line‑items for activities and newsletter postage. The senior center also seeks funding provisionally for an elder‑bus service (SEM elder bus) because that grant is sometimes confirmed only mid‑fiscal year; if the grant arrives the town’s unspent funds are typically returned as free cash.

Michelle said the center uses Tri Valley for its elder meals; while some longtime participants preferred previous providers, the presenter said the current vendor’s meals have improved and remain a cost‑effective option. She described the importance of socialization for seniors’ health and said a touchscreen database for sign‑in would help track participation and programs. The center’s staff model includes a full‑time outreach coordinator, a part‑time kitchen assistant, and an activities assistant (current hours corrected in the record).

Board members asked clarifying questions about line items and how some costs might be reallocated; the presenter offered to provide more detail in writing. No formal action was taken at the hearing.