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Commission approves $15,000 match to keep senior meal programs running
Summary
After testimony from senior-center representatives and the aging director, the county approved $5,000 stipends for each of three local senior centers (Newton, Hesston and Sedgwick) to supplement an Older American Act stipend, approving $15,000 total on a 2–1 vote.
The Harvey County Commission approved a one-time county match of $5,000 each for the Newton, Hesston and Sedgwick senior centers — $15,000 total — to help sustain congregate and home-delivered meal programs during a vendor transition. The motion, amended to direct immediate payment, passed 2–1 with Commissioner Becky Reimer opposed.
Lona Kelly, Director of the Harvey County Department of Aging, said the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging planned to provide a $5,000 stipend per agency after the previous provider (Everfull) stopped offering Older Americans Act nutrition services in the area. Kelly said the stipend ‘‘will be used to support part-time staff at each senior center ... to manage the administrative and operational details of the congregate and home-delivered meals program in compliance with OAA nutrition requirements.’’ She told commissioners that the lower local stipend would not cover estimated full costs but would allow services to continue through 2026 while centers seek additional funding.
Public commenters also urged support. Commissioners asked whether cities could contribute or whether agencies should seek alternate funding; Commissioner Reimer said she opposed using non-budgeted tax dollars for the request. The motion made by Commissioner Terry Scott, including an amendment to initiate immediate payment, passed 2–1 (opposed: Reimer).
Agenda materials reported average monthly meal counts (from center reporting): Hesston — about 450 congregate and 812 home-delivered meals; Newton — about 329 congregate meals; Sedgwick — about 416 congregate and 53 home-delivered meals. The county’s action provides short-term funding while CPAAA and local centers implement the vendor transition.
