A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to budget amendments and financial planning. The treasurer reported concerns about overtime expenses due to recent winter storms, which may necessitate a transfer of funds to cover deficits. The council’s financial outlook was further complicated by the need to manage funds for the FY 24 and FY 25 state grants. The treasurer assured that while some expense categories were underutilized, overall spending was on target.

A major topic was the use of a grant received in September, with expenses needing to be incurred by March 31. This grant supports internet access for seniors using Chromebooks, totaling $9,600 per year for two years. The council proposed an allocation of $144,000, with an additional $4,000 for purchasing more Chromebooks. This initiative aims to provide free internet access, encouraging seniors to become more familiar with technology. Questions regarding the financial balance of $49,000 and the strategy to pay tech instructors using revolving or state grant funds were discussed, highlighting the council’s efforts to manage resources effectively.

The fiscal year 2026 budget was presented, revealing that wages account for 79.5% of the $220,000 total budget. Concerns were raised about utility costs, especially with the anticipated move to the new Waterford building. The electricity budget is expected to increase, prompting a request for a higher information technology budget to cover increased Comcast service costs. The council discussed facility management in the new building, with leases expected to outline janitorial responsibilities while major repairs fall to the city.

The council also acknowledged the need for potential capital expenditures, such as replacing an electronic board at a cost of $144,000. A contingency plan was in place for expenses related to a Bingo board replacement. Other replacements, like pool tables, were being explored within the community.

The meeting addressed the center’s communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of effective messaging during weather-related closures or delays. The center follows the local school district’s policy, closing or delaying operations in tandem with school decisions. Despite attempts, the center was not listed in local news closure announcements due to classification restrictions. The importance of members signing in for events was highlighted, as approximately 700 to 725 seniors visit weekly, excluding special events.

Efforts to develop an operations manual were discussed. This manual, along with a separate program-specific guide, will cover various center functions. Participation in yoga classes was noted to have declined, and there was consideration of schedule changes for the walking group to improve attendance.

The health of a fitness instructor was a concern, with a temporary replacement secured while the original instructor recovers. The council expressed gratitude for the adaptability of staff and volunteers during this transition. Additionally, board members were reminded of the state-mandated ethics training and the importance of tracking volunteer hours.