Council on Aging asks Morrison County for $3,131 and a continuing board liaison

Laurie Burlson, executive director of the Central Minnesota Council on Aging, told the Morrison County Board of Commissioners that the region's aging population and service needs are growing and asked the county to contribute $3,131 for 2027.

"We are requesting $3,131 for 2027," Burlson said, and presented data showing Morrison County received about $216,000 in Older Americans Act-funded services last year, including nearly 14,000 home-delivered meals and hundreds of assisted-transport rides in the county.

Burlson framed the request as a small county contribution that leverages federal and regional funds: the Council's 2025 allocation to the region was $3.7 million, she said, and Morrison County's share is calculated by population. The board discussed timing and procedure for the request as part of the regular budget and levy process.

After discussion, the board moved to provide a county liaison to the Central Minnesota Council on Aging so the county will retain representation on the council's governing body. The chair and administrator said the funding request will be evaluated when the board sets its preliminary levy and budget later in the year.

The appointment of a liaison was approved by voice vote; the board did not immediately vote on the $3,131 request and will consider it through the normal budget cycle.