ADRC works to cover patrons after budget cuts
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Taylor County (ADRC) is working to ensure its consumers are covered after recent state budget cuts. At a meeting on Wednesday, July 9, director Jenn Viergutz informed the committee of changes in the state budget that will impact the ADRC’s bottom line.
“All programs have a decrease in what they're giving us across the board except the family caregiver program,” she said.
Viergutz and the ADRC team have been been requesting additional funding for home delivered meals as American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money related to the COVID-19 pandemic has dried up. Home delivered meals mean more than just food to the people who receive that service; for some, it’s the only outside interaction they get. Viergutz and her team use meal deliveries as an opportunity to check on their clients, ensuring each person is safe and cared for. There was not an increase for home delivered meals in the state budget as requested, and with their 2024 food costs rising 20-25% and continuing to trend upwards, the ADRC of Taylor County may have to get creative.
“We’ve been lucky that we’ve never had to put anyone on a waiting list, but with the cuts that are coming we might have to do that,” said accounting specialist Barb Koch. Viergutz reported that they may have to prioritize getting meals to people who need them most. The duo has been analyzing their own budget to see where they can cut costs in-house. The nutrition site in Gilman is now closed on Tuesday’s, though ADRC staff still call the consumers who would like safety checks.
“Keep advocating,” said Viergutz. They were, however, able to receive ARPA funds from another county’s ADRC program that was not going to use the money. Koch requested $10,000-$15,000 from that county. Instead, they were given $46,000. “It’s a huge impact to our bottom line,” said Viergutz. The state budget did increase base funding by $3.7 million to the various ADRC programs across Wisconsin, though Viergutz states she’s not sure how that will be divided at this time.
In reviewing their 2024 finances, the committee learned from Viergutz that their expenses were under on transportation, home delivered meals, and the newsletter. The organization was under budget by $86,000 thanks to ARPA funds and the grant supporting healthy aging.
The next meeting will take place on August 13 at 1 p.m. In other business, the board:
• Heard about the change project which is designed to help improve the way the ADRC functions in various aspects. The committee observed a demonstration by new ADRC specialist Megan Henke, with the assistance of new dementia care specialist Dana Detwiler, designed to help the committee see the way ADRC staff interacts with consumers. A better understanding of the way each program works helps the committee and ADRC staff to better answer questions and provide resources to the community.
• Discussed the Fair Before the Fair event which took place on Wednesday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Learned that there is a job opening for a site manager in Medford which was posted until July 14 and an opening for an office assistant which will be posted until July 28.
• Heard that there will be a Powerful Tools for Caregivers class held virtually on July 31. Norma Thums will also teach the class Mind Over Matter, Healthy Bladder Healthy Bowels, held on July 29, August 12, and August 29 from 2-4 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.
• Was given a building plan update as Precision Builders of Colby will begin renovations around August 1 and hope to be finished by January or February.
