Tri-City Consortium on Aging has Budget Cut Again

The Tri-City Consortium on Aging is getting a new name – Community Partners on Aging – but is facing an old problem in the form of additional cuts in federal funds.

Last year, the organization had its Title III Older Americans Act funding cut by $28,000. For 2012, funds will be cut another $6,000, down to $57,000. The money is distributed through the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging.

"Our funding was cut again this year about 9 percent across the board for all of our services (under Title III)," said Tri-City Director Stacey O'Brien.

She said cuts in the state's Local Government Fund also make it harder for member cities , , South Euclid and Lyndhurst to provide funds to Tri-City's annual budget of $850,000.

"So we've been trying to adjust to those changes," O'Brien said.

Tri-City provides about 50 to 55 congregate meals per day that are contracted with a provider. She said staff members may prepare meals one day a month to stretch that budget further.

After the last Title III cut, Tri-City changed fees for some homemaker services. O'Brien said the organization will look at hosting fundraisers this time.

O'Brien said the cuts are particularly frustrating because it's much cheaper to provide assistance to programs that help seniors stay in their homes rather than spend funds on assisting living or nursing homes.

These cuts are targeted at the most vulnerable of our population," O'Brien said. "We're trying to help them stay at home."