In the face of dwindling and uncertain funding for senior services at both the state and national levels, the 17-18 Gila County budget guarantees funding for local seniors by making it a line item. 

At a March 28, 2017, Board of Supervisors meeting, District Three Supervisor Woody Cline explained that shortly after he took office he received multiple requests for funding from those who provide critical programming for seniors. Cline added that in past years, these requests were funded through individual supervisors’ constituent funds. 

“We really need to solve the problem of funding cuts to senior services at the state at national level,” said Supervisor Cline. “In the meantime, making this a line item rather than making folks request it year after year makes something a little more dependable for our seniors.” Following the March meeting, County staff worked to ensure that the FY 17-18 budget, which was adopted July 18, included this funding stream. 

Anna Medina, the Chief Operating Officer for Pinal Gila Council for Senior Citizens (PGCSC), addressed the board at the meeting in March. The Pinal Gila Council for Senior Citizens is one of eight not for profit area agencies on aging in Arizona and one of 629 in the US. According to the 2010 census, 32% of Gila County residents were over the age of 60. Still, when funding is divied up at the state level, PGCSC only receives 6% of the total available funding. Of the approximately $7 million allocated, PGCSC took home about $45,000. 

Medina told the board that for the FY 16, the Globe Active Adult Center served 8,068 congregate meals, or meals served at the center, and delivered 4,327 meals to residents’ homes

The funding stream created in the FY 17-18 budget will be targeted toward helping with both meals and transportation. However, as Olivia Guerrero, President/CEO of PGCSC told the board, their responsibilities as an area agency on aging extend far beyond just meals and transportation, although these services are critical. They do a substantial amount of advocacy for older persons as well as provide services such as financial counseling, respite care for caregivers, health education, and legal assistance. Any resident who gets a meal will also get case management. 

The $150,000 dollar line item in the 2017/2018 budget represents an increase of $22,000 dollars.  The centers will be allowed to use the funds for congregate meals, home delivered meals, and transportation costs. PGCSC will prepare a 6 month and one year report for the BOS regarding how the funds were used. The funds will be distributed through PGCSC and PGCSC will work with County staff to develop a formula based on meals served and previous allocation usage.