Committees back $1 million Montgomery County supplement to restore senior nutrition, home‑care and respite services

At a joint meeting of the Montgomery County Council’s Government Operations & Fiscal Policy and Health & Human Services committees, members voted unanimously of those present to recommend that the full council approve a $1,000,000 supplemental appropriation for Aging & Disability Services to shore up senior nutrition, home‑care and respite programs.

The appropriation is divided into three allocations: $250,000 for respite care, $450,000 for the Senior Nutrition Program and $300,000 for home‑care services. County staff told the committees the funding would reopen closed applications, add assessment capacity and expand direct service hours for residents on existing wait lists.

“We respectfully ask for your support of this supplemental appropriation,” Dr. Patrice McGee, chief of Aging and Disability Services, told the committees, adding that the funding would “stabilize 3 critical programs” and help residents remain safely in their homes.

Program leads described current demand and how the funds would be used. Staff said the respite allocation would allow the program to provide roughly 7,560 additional service hours and serve dozens of additional families after applications are reopened. The Senior Nutrition Program was reported to have a 141‑person wait list; staff said the $450,000 would support congregate meals, home‑delivered meals (Meals on Wheels) and culturally appropriate meal options. For home care, staff said the $300,000 would fund two full‑time brokers for additional social‑services assessments ($90,000) and $210,000 for direct services, which managers said would increase average weekly hours per client from about six to eight and help address a 345‑person assessment wait list.

Committee members emphasized why the appropriation was needed now. Speakers repeatedly pointed to gaps caused by federal timing and funding changes — including the expiration of one‑time COVID funds and delays in reauthorizing the Older Americans Act — and to equity concerns: Dr. McGee said communities of color are disproportionately represented among those served and among those now waiting for services.

Council Member Evans asked whether residents would assume the services were permanent; program staff responded that most of the county’s programs require annual reapplication and that the appropriation is a one‑time stabilization measure rather than an ongoing entitlement. Mario Wirzassen, administrator for Protective Service Case Management, told the committee that 2–3 percent of people leaving wait lists generate Adult Protective Services referrals, and that in‑person assessments are sometimes required to fully identify risks.

Committee chairs and HHS leadership also addressed program readiness. Staff and managers said existing contractor relationships, wait‑list contact information and intake procedures would let the county begin reaching people quickly once funds are available.

The committees voted to recommend the appropriation to the full council; the clerk recorded the recommendation as unanimous of members present. The full council will consider the funding at its next scheduled meeting.