Grant County senior‑center operators report $47,000 shortfall; commissioners discuss legislative advocacy and bus repurposing

Deputy County Manager Andrea updated the board on senior‑center operations after site tours and a July 1 service transition in which the Village of Santa Clara assumed operations for the county’s four senior sites.

Andrea told commissioners staff have completed facility improvements (flooring and IT) and repurposed county buses to sustain transportation services. She reported a $47,000 shortfall for the fiscal year caused by budgeting based on prior operator numbers and cuts to federal transportation funding that reduced the centers’ reimbursements. "She has mentioned that they're facing a $47,000 shortfall for the fiscal year due to the budgeting of a prior when HMS had them centers," Andrea said.

Commissioners discussed options including legislative advocacy to restore transportation funding, and one commissioner praised the repurposing of buses and urged staff to continue site visits and meal‑service oversight. County staff said they are coordinating with state legislators and long‑term aging providers and that the county’s July 1 RFP process is in its initial stage.

What’s next: staff will continue to monitor the shortfall, explore replacement funding or grants, and report back; commissioners urged continued outreach to state representatives to seek restoration of transportation funds.