Gardner City Lifeline program reports subscriptions growth, hundreds of emergency calls handled

Staff told the Gardner City Council on Aging on April 6 that the center’s Lifeline program — which the center began billing directly in January after administrative changes last year — is generating subscriptions and measurable public‑safety activity.

Mike reported Lifeline had 70 subscribers as of March 19, 2026 and said there were new subscriptions since April 1; he described roughly 884 alarm events requiring call handling by the call center and said the program’s revenues are exceeding expenses on a monthly basis.

"I can tell you without equivocation that the Lifeline program is doing exactly what the Lifeline program should do and that save lives," Mike said.

Staff provided the board with financial detail: Lifeline revenues of $6,940 year‑to‑date and outstanding purchase orders for subscriptions through June that total about $7,072. Mike explained the account is managed on a cash basis, that available balance differs from encumbrances shown in Munis, and that some reported year‑to‑date expenses reflected timing differences rather than program losses.

Board members asked about the number of subscribers and geographic uptake; Mike said the program has seen growth in multiple neighborhoods and that staff are preparing a more detailed Lifeline report for the mayor.

Mike also described program operations: two part‑time staff manage Lifeline (with Lauren handling most day‑to‑day tasks and Karen providing backup), staff troubleshoot equipment, provide marketing materials for community outreach, and handle setup and call responses. He noted some Lifeline revenue may be reallocated for mileage and other program administration costs.

The board received the Lifeline update as informational and will review the fuller Lifeline report when delivered to the mayor’s office.