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Halifax COA director warns proposed override cuts would reduce hours and services
Summary
Halifax Council on Aging director said a proposed town budget override could cut roughly $100,000 from the COA budget and reduce the director's hours and pay; the board discussed likely service impacts and urged residents to attend the May town meeting and override vote.
Darlene, the Council on Aging director, told board members on April 21 that the town's proposed override could reduce the COA budget by about $100,000 and slash her salary by approximately 50%, potentially forcing the center to operate only three days a week.
"I was told that their override that our budget was cut by a $100,000, and then it was like my salary would be cut 50%," the director said, warning that fewer staff and reduced hours would make it difficult to provide transportation, wellness programs and one-on-one assistance.
The warning followed a detailed briefing on the COA's programs and funding streams. The director noted the state formula grant provides significant program funding but said the town-level cuts could still reduce the center's capacity to deliver services even if some state funds continue by census metrics.
"If the override fails and, you know, they cut your hours—we're down those other three positions—is it like because the library has to maintain a certain amount of municipal funding to stay certified? Is it the same way with the COA?" a board member asked. The director replied that state funding is tied to the census and reporting, but she could not guarantee there would be no downstream effects from reduced operations.
Board members urged COA supporters to attend the town meeting scheduled for May 11 and the subsequent override ballot (the town election the following Saturday). Chair Jean Bullard said the budget as proposed by the selectmen and finance committee is legal and that the town meeting will decide whether to put an override on the ballot.
The director described operational consequences she expects if hours are cut: compressed programming, fewer days for fitness and wellness classes, and difficulty maintaining regular transportation runs to medical appointments in Boston. She also said the COA is trying to find alternate resources and to document the center's workload so residents and town meeting can see the services at risk.
The COA plans to present examples of typical workload and service needs to the town and encouraged residents to review the town website for override meeting schedules and agendas ahead of the May meetings.
