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Residents and senior advocates push back on mayoral plan to move Municipal Agents into Social Services
Summary
Commission on Aging members and Senior Center leadership urged keeping Municipal Agents supervised at the Senior Center per state guidance; Mayor Bass argued the move would better coordinate complex social-service needs under Social Services supervision.
Public commenters and Senior Center officials told the joint hearings they oppose Mayor Pete Bass's plan to shift supervision of Municipal Agents from the Senior Center into the Social Services department. Michele Ligouri, speaking for the Commission on Aging, cited Connecticut General Statute Sec. 7‑127b and urged that Municipal Agents remain supervised within the Senior Center because "seniors are more likely to seek assistance in a space designed for them." She said the Senior Center serves as a "safe accessible point of entry" for residents 60 and older.
Senior Center Director Jasmin Ducusin-Jara described an expanding program roster and transportation services and said the Municipal Agents currently provide benefit services, assistance and advocacy to older residents. "The Municipal Agents see clients from diverse walks of life and work in tandem with all departments," she said, and she expressed concern about losing senior-focused supervision and visibility.
Mayor Bass responded that under the Town Charter he has authority over department organization and that moving Municipal Agents into Social Services would allow closer coordination with social workers who manage complex issues affecting older residents. He said service delivery would not change for seniors and that the agents would remain physically in the Senior Center while reporting to Social Services supervision.
Why this matters: the change touches statutory language about Municipal Agents' role and has drawn public concern because it affects where and how seniors access help for benefits, housing and health-related needs. Several council members and public commenters asked for additional review, and some asked for more analysis before a final organizational change.
Next steps: the change remains a proposed organizational adjustment to be reflected in the Mayor's FY2026–27 budget and subject to further discussion during council deliberations and public comment.
