ADRC board talks finances

The ADRC of Taylor County has been working to advocate for its members. At a board meeting on May 14, director Jenn Viergutz reported that she attended a Joint Finance Committee budget hearing in Wausau at the end of April.

“I completely stepped outside of my comfort zone,” said Viergutz. “You have two minutes to try to make an impact.”

She stated that five other ADRC organizations were also present, and in order to best make their needs known each program discussed a different topic. Viergutz was tasked with speaking about home delivered meals.

“Meals are more than just a meal,” she said. Viergutz went on to explain that Taylor County is much more rural than some other counties, and with Gilman and Rib Lake both losing their grocery stores meal deliveries are a chance for ADRC representatives to check in on their members. She reported to the committee that this could be the only contact that some people have with others in days and that it is a safety check.

In addition, Viergutz went to Madison for Aging Advocacy Day on May 13 where she had hoped to meet with Senator Jesse L. James and Representative Karen R. Hurd. James was not in the building and Hurd was in a meeting. Viergutz did speak to a member of Hurd’s team who promised to relay her concerns.

“We need to make sure that we at least keep the funding that we have,” Viergutz said.

In other business, the board:

• Elected their officers with Joyce Peterson returning as vice president and Ruth Schiethauer returning as secretary. Viergutz also introduced new board member Mary Davis who is representing older adults. Davis was chosen out of three applicants.

• Voted to allow the ADRC to hire a new dementia care specialist as their previous hire submitted her notice. Viergutz plans to accept applications until June 2 and hopes to find someone with a bachelor’s degree, though she may be able to apply for a waiver from the state for someone with the right qualifications and experience.

• Discussed that the ADRC is carrying gift certificates that people can purchase for a loved one to go towards nail care at the health department. Viergutz reported that the ADRC is working with site managers to make reservations and call people to get them in for this service. Though the price has increased, she wants to reiterate the importance of assisting both the health department and community members to be sure that the service remains.

• Voted to purchase a van from the county as the ADRC’s Gilman van did not pass the last DOT inspection due to rust. The new van, a 2013, is the same year as their current van but with 50,000 fewer miles.

• Shared concerns that the architect responsible for the design of their building upgrade has likely not submitted building plans to the state as requested. Plans needed to be approved by the state so that projects could be placed out for bid prior to the June 24 county board meeting. The county could call a second meeting if necessary. Buildings, grounds and park maintenance director Joe Svejda is assisting by communicating with the architect.

• Heard that the ADRC of the Northwoods has still not paid Taylor County the $75,000 the county loaned them to assist with cash flow several years ago. Board members stated that the ADRC of the Northwoods is reporting to them that they have not repaid that money as there are still bills open from when the ADRC of Taylor County was operating under the ADRC of the Northwoods. Human services plans to reach out to the ADRC of the Northwoods again to resolve the matter.

“It wasn’t a gift,” said Viergutz, who went on to explain that the money belongs to the taxpayers of Taylor County.

• Heard that the memory cafe has been put on hold for June and July to be sure they have someone in the dementia care specialist position to provide education and support as well as crafts.