Council on Aging highlights transportation capacity and housing needs in FY27 budget review

Terry Arnold, who leads Salem’s Council on Aging and Senior Services, told the Committee on Administration and Finance on June 8 that the department’s top priorities include preventing social isolation, helping residents navigate Medicare and assisting people at risk of eviction or homelessness.

Arnold said the Council on Aging operates with several part‑time drivers and a small fleet and anticipates possible increased demand if other transportation services (such as the Skipper) are reduced or discontinued. “We have at any given time seven to eight part-time drivers and about four to five vehicles in working order to accommodate,” she said, noting the service requires two business days’ notice and that the department is working with a vendor (Bridge) to optimize routes and improve efficiency.

Councilors praised recent increases in unduplicated clients served and pressed for clarity on capacity, asking whether the program can scale if demand rises. Arnold said the department has some capacity for older adults and adults with disabilities but that she is monitoring attrition and the need for programmatic staff. She also said the tax work‑off program currently enrolls roughly 35–40 seniors and recommended more city advertising to increase participation.

The committee recommended approval of Council on Aging personnel ($57,756) and expenditures ($84,450) budgets. Members asked staff to report back if transportation demand increases and to provide data on service capacity and any needed staffing changes.