Senior center trying to stay financially sound
Staff writer
Marion Senior Center is doing what it can to secure future operation.
The biggest concern is paying utility bills from money raised locally.
“People need to know,” center president Sue Clough said Monday.
The area agency on aging pays salaries for manager Janet Bryant and cook Lucille Bitner, and for food that is brought in for preparation. Everything and everyone else is voluntary.
Meal money does not stay with the center but goes to the area agency. The county contributes $200 a month to rent two county offices in the building, Clough said.
The board encourages seniors to donate $1 extra for meals. The money is being placed in a special fund for utilities.
“Sue is working hard to keep air conditioning costs down,” treasurer Norma Kline said. “People understand.”
The use of four floor fans makes it possible to set the thermostat a little higher. Whenever the center isn’t being used, its air conditioner is turned off.
“We’re OK for right now,” Kline said. “The future does not look good, so we are being proactive. Until three years ago, we got $10,000 a year from a trust fund, and now we have to replace that.”
Senior centers also can ap;ply to received county taxpayer money distributed through Senior Citizens of Marion County Inc. Hillsboro’s senior center recently received help with its insurance from that source.
“We are looking to the future,” Clough said. “We depend on donations and are trying to contribute to keeping things on an even keel.”