Debate over Ajax Turner Senior Center erupts at council meeting as members weigh city takeover, allegations

A heated portion of the June 22 special session centered on the Ajax Turner Senior Citizens Center (also referenced as the Ajax/Ed Roberts center). Multiple council members said they had received emails and reports alleging accounting irregularities, missing cash, leadership turnover and staff misconduct; they proposed amendments to change funding or governance. Several motions to move funding or shift oversight were debated and failed.

Council members who pressed for city oversight (or for removing funding from the nonprofit managing the center) described audits and third-party reports raising concerns: Councilman Lobato and others referenced repeated audit findings of accounting problems, reconciliation gaps and turnover. Councilman Zacharias said the city lacked authority to discipline nonprofit employees and argued that the arrangement reduced transparency and accountability: "We hand over money and we hope that they are honest about what they're doing with it," he said during debate.

Opposing council members and center supporters pushed back. Lois Ryder, a public commenter, told the council she could "prove those accusations are not true" and urged the council to require proof before removing services. Marissa Collom, a volunteer and activities coordinator at Ajax, delivered a personal appeal describing program impacts: the center serves roughly 1,500 members and connects seniors to vital services and social supports. "A member told me the center saved her life," Collom said, asking the council to seek collaborative solutions rather than abrupt cuts.

Council members emphasized different priorities: some said immediate city control would protect vulnerable seniors and ensure financial transparency; others warned that abrupt changes or removing funding could interrupt services for seniors who rely on the center for meals, social connection and care coordination. Several council members asked for more documentation and for departmental staff to present specific financial evidence and legal options before making a governance change.

Outcome and next steps: Motions tied to changes in Ajax funding failed in the session. Council members and staff indicated further follow-up will be necessary: city staff were asked to review the nonprofit’s financial documents and bylaws, confirm audit findings, and present legal options for increased oversight or a transition plan that minimizes service disruption.