Council on Aging budget shows personnel‑driven changes as Senior Center reports rising membership

D. Siriani reviewed the Council on Aging’s FY2027 budget request and told the Finance Committee that personnel costs — step increases and longevity — are the primary driver of changes. She said a long‑time employee retired unexpectedly last fall and the hire to replace that position will come in at a lower rate, creating roughly $10,000 of savings in the personnel line.

Siriani said expense increases are concentrated in electricity due to a new hot‑air system and that the center has reduced reliance on the general operating budget by using revolving funds, grants, contracts, donations and fee‑based programs. She credited the Friends of the Senior Center with more than $70,000 in donations already this year.

Responding to a committee question about engagement, Siriani reported 862 new registered members over the past two years — roughly two new registrations for each day the center is open — and noted the center draws people from 26 towns, though transportation and certain programs (Meals on Wheels, senior tax work‑off) are limited to Chelmsford residents.

Committee members praised outreach and asked staff to continue monitoring revolving accounts; staff noted that if a revolving fund shortfall occurred an account could be folded into the operating budget, but that current controls and program revenue keep costs manageable.

This presentation was informational; the Finance Committee did not take a vote on the Council on Aging budget at this meeting.