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Committee sends LifeFone subscription report to full council after update on usage and finances
Summary
Director Ellis told the committee the LifeFone senior-safety subscription program had about 69 subscribers and a projected surplus of roughly $6,000; the committee voted to send the program report to the full council.
Director Ellis briefed the committee April 27 on the LifeFone (senior-monitoring) subscription program transferred to the senior center. He said the program has about 69 subscribers (14 of them new), most in the Gardner area, and that volunteer technical support has minimized on-site service calls.
"Our projected surplus on this program is about $6,000," Director Ellis said, noting that outstanding purchase orders make the near-term ledger look deficit but projected income should leave the program in surplus by the end of the fiscal window.
Committee members asked about typical service calls (battery/charger issues and range concerns); Ellis described a recent onsite visit that was resolved with a battery charge and light conversation with the subscriber. He also told the committee that seniors who have insurance can submit invoices for possible reimbursement but the program does not process insurance claims.
Councilor Higgins moved and Councilor Mack seconded a recommendation to send Director Olsen's report on the program to the full council so councilors can review details. The motion carried on voice vote.
The committee indicated it would revisit the program during the July budget cycle, as staff signaled the revolving fund cap might need to be increased to reflect revenues exceeding the current $10,000 limit.
