Senior-center director and former councilor raise concerns about reductions to senior and regional program funding

At the Board of Finance public forum and during the budget presentation on June 2, providers and a former councilor warned councilors the city’s proposed budget reductions could leave older residents without transportation, meals and wellness checks.

Andrea, director of the Heineberg Community Senior Center, said the center cannot meet all needs alone and urged coordinated partnerships with the library, city arts, Age Well and the YMCA. She told the board the Heineberg runs an in-house meal program twice weekly with 30 seats that are typically full; the program began with ARPA funding and has shifted to business and donor support. Andrea said transportation is a “central challenge” for older adults trying to reach services and that some will need door-to-door shared-ride (SSTA) service. She said additional demand for meals would require new funding.

Former City Councilor Sharon Buscher urged reconsideration of cuts in the mayor’s regional-programs and funding proposals. Buscher identified two specific concerns: a $2,500 city allocation to the American Red Cross she described as small but valuable for immediate disaster responses, and the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), which she said previously received about $121,000 and provides in-home blood draws and wellness checks. Buscher said the administration materials did not indicate whether alternate funding is secured for services if the city reduces support.

Councilors and staff discussed senior-service transition planning. Councilor Carpenter emphasized the need for a clear transition strategy, noting the city’s CORE program serves 8–12 older adults and that the city must ensure transportation and meals continue; administration staff said CORE is winding down with a runway to September and that Age Well provided meals at a city location rather than the city running the meal program. Staff said the administration has begun outreach to organizations that will not receive funding and offered nonmonetary partnership alternatives where possible.

The board also considered changes to the regional programs budget; staff said limited structure historically governed that funding and the administration plans to add more formal application and prioritization processes going forward. Officials said they prioritized funding for the Howard Center street outreach team this year because state funding changes left that program at risk without city support. Several councilors asked that departments such as Parks & Rec and BCA review immediate priorities for activities that bring people to Burlington and consider internal reallocations to support critical events or services.

No formal Board of Finance action was taken specifically to restore senior services on June 2; councilors who raised the issue said they will pursue transition planning and may seek amendments or additional funding during the upcoming budget process.