Senior agency still lacks funding
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Sieber

Although the Senior and Family Services Agency recouped $10,000 from Indiana Packers Corp. due to lost funding from the county, Executive Director Jeff Sieber said that problem was only part of a larger financial issue. The agency showed an additional loss of $12,000 in 2007 due to increased services and operating expenses such as fuel costs.

"The cost of doing business rose significantly in 2007," Sieber said Monday. "It will be impossible to maintain the 2007 services in 2008 with our current level of funding if expenses stay the same or increase."

Agency funding comes from Area IV, which is state and federal monies, the United Fund, township trustees and client donations.

Sieber said services will have to be modified to address funding issues. He reported the agency board of directors began making expense adjustments at the first of the month. One activity person from the Delphi center was laid off, employee hours were decreased, and services at the Flora center could be discontinued.

Sieber said he is negotiating with local leaders across the county to determine where costs can be reduced to make more money available for services and keep all centers open.

"I'm working very diligently and non-stop because I want no services cut," he said. "I don't want anyone going without any needed assistance."

"This agency is not the only one making budgetary adjustments," he concluded. "For operating expenses there are no other funding sources available for senior services. We have to work with what we have."

"I don't want anybody to panic about not getting services," he added. "We'll work something out."

For information or clarification contact Sieber at (765) 564-2772.