To: Charles Winfrey, Human Services Committee Chairperson
From: Lynn M. Radzilowski, Senior Services Director
title
RE: Budget amendment request for GCCARD to receive additional funding to cover overages for meals in the senior centers.
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
GCOSS is requesting that $216,000 to transferred from the senior millage fund balance to the GCCARD meals program to cover the cost of the overage for meals in the senior centers for the remainder of this fiscal year.
BACKGROUND:
When the pandemic hit in 2020 many changes and adaptations had to be made by our senior centers and service providers. One of those changes was to offer curbside or “to-go” style lunches at the centers. This was a successful change and adaptation. Since the public health emergency order has been lifted, there have been changes in how the State of Michigan is requiring meals to be coded or billed. This funding for the congregate meals in the senior centers comes from the Valley Area Agency on Aging. Starting October 1st any meal taken from the senior center and not eaten at the center has to be billed as a home-delivered meal, not a to-go style congregate meal. If the meal is eaten at the senior center, then the meal is billed as a congregate meal. Unfortunately, most of the centers are still allowing to-go style lunches, and because of the billing changes extreme overages in the meals program are occurring. For December, GCCARD was $18,000 over budget. This additional funding from the millage is to ensure that seniors are receiving their daily meals and allow more time for the centers to eliminate the “to-go” style or curbside meal option.
DISCUSSION:
Moving forward the following must occur. The senior centers will need to phase out and eliminate the option of “to-go” style or curbside meals as an option later than September 30, 2024. Discussion on this started in late June of 2023 between the senior centers, VAAA, and GCCARD. Only dine-in meals will be allowed and paid for by VAAA congregate meal funding. GCCARD will go back to serving family-style congregate meals as was done before the pandemic. This is a favorable change as it eliminates the temptation of a meal being a to-go style, larger portions will be available, and the pan style is more aesthetically pleasing. This will also promote more socialization in the center during lunchtime. Finally, VAAA must communicate budget adjustments, changes in award amounts, changes in State requirements, and any other factors that could affect budgeted amounts with GCCARD monthly. VAAA must also communicate directly to the senior center directors on congregate meal requirements and enforce any rules, regulations, or requirements.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
N/A
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
The funding is 100% senior millage. If the attached budget amendment is not approved the overages may have to be paid from other sources. Account #2231-691.00-883.005
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
N/A
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
N/A
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Having nutritious meals being served at the centers, allows seniors to socialize while eating a substantial meal at a low cost. This promotes an inclusive, collaborative culture.
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Director of the Office of Senior Services to authorize a budget amendment for FY 2023-2024 in the amount of $216,000 to cover the cost of the overage for meals in the senior centers, to be paid from account #2231-691.00-883.005, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request being on file with the official records of the February 21, 2024 meeting of the Human Services Committee of this Board), and the Chief Financial Officer is directed to record the attached budget amendment.