During the Cordell City Council meeting last Monday, Senior Citizen Center board member Keith Young addressed the Council and made a plea for help concerning the Center.
Young explained that several factors have led to the Center’s budget falling into a deficit on a monthly basis. Food prices have skyrocketed, as well as the price for paper goods that are needed to pack up the Meals on Wheels orders. Utility costs have risen across the board. Equipment repairs and air conditioning problems have also impacted the Center.
Donations are down as well. A recent hot dog fundraiser sponsored by Ace Hardware drew in much less than it did last year. The price charged for the meals barely covers the cost of the food needed but the Board feels like they have raised prices as far as the patrons can bear. Many of those who eat at the Center or have lunches delivered are on a limited income.
Young stated that board members have been using their own funds to make ends meet, and sometimes they are able to be repaid and sometimes they are not.
The City Council members discussed ways they could legally assist the Center financially. Some wondered why the golf course can be subsidized by the city but not the Senior Citizen Center. City Attorney Johnny Beech explained that the Senior Citizen Center operates under their own 501C classification, while the golf course falls under the City’s umbrella. He said there are ways to help legally, but that he needs to determine what the proper course of action would be. He continued to say that immediate assistance could be given by waiving the electric, water and garbage fees from the city. The council voted unanimously to waive the fees.
Mayor Jerry Beech noted that the City of Cordell owns the building, so the City will repair equipment if needed and have the air conditioning fixed.
Council member Sheri Parsons made a motion to allocate $1000 per month cash assistance to the Center, but that matter had to be tabled until the next council meeting in order for Attorney Beech to make sure it can be done within legal guidelines.