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Senior services report: Meals delivered, rising costs and a projected $60K shortfall
Summary
Staff reported 5,671 congregate meals and 22,963 home-delivered meals year-to-date through February and warned that rising fuel and vehicle costs could leave a projected funding gap (~$60,000); staff urged the Commission to maintain county contributions and coordinate legislative lobbying.
Angela Coburn reported on Senior Services operations through the end of February: 5,671 congregate meals and 22,963 home-delivered meals have been provided since July 1. Coburn said rising fuel and vehicle-maintenance costs are the primary drivers of a budget gap and that staff are seeking contract amendments from the Area Agency on Aging to close the current-year shortfall.
Consultant Greg Smith said the county's $40,000 contribution was a "huge benefit" and urged coordinated legislative lobbying in Santa Fe to fully address structural funding gaps; he estimated a conservative shortfall of about $60,000 for the current year even after county support. Commissioner McCall and staff agreed to plan a joint November–December legislative strategy session and to identify a Commission legislative lead after the election.
Staff asked the Commission to at least maintain the current county funding level for senior services in the next budget cycle and to support collaborative lobbying efforts that may take several years to produce full funding changes at the state level.
