The Council on Aging in Jackson County may be looking at funding cuts in the future. Director Rita Williams said at the last commission work session that the state will absorb many of the budget cuts they faced this year, but the 2013 fiscal year is her main concern.   According to Williams the state will face at least a $2 million dollar shortage from cuts in aging funds. Those funds are matching funds which, if lost, means the loss of federal funds as well. “They’re telling us to look for at least a 20% cut in our aging program funds, of course if that happens we’ll probably be looking at closing a couple of centers.”

The Council on Aging currently funds centers in Scottsboro, Bridgeport, Stevenson, Pisgah, Bryant and Paint Rock.

Williams said, “We’re not just looking at one cut, we’re looking at cuts all over.” She explained that their Medicaid Waiver program could also be in trouble, and that they have been asked to reduce the cost by $2 an hour.  This program provides services like housekeeping and meal preparation for elderly citizens, who without the service may require nursing home level care. “I don’t know how we can cut it,” Williams said.

The council also participates in the meals on wheels program which makes about 221 home deliveries daily. Paired with the average 188 meals served at the centers, and the council provides 409 meals per day to senior citizens, costing around $2,000.  This service may also be looking at funding cuts when the new state budget is approved.

Commissioner Jack Allen pointed out that, “right now it’s all speculation,” and said they would be able to come up with a better funding plan after the budget was set and they knew what they were working with.

All commissioners shared the sentiment that the Council on Aging does important work, and that they don’t want to see any centers closed, or any programs shut down. They may provide additional funding to the Council on Aging if the need arises.

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