Barton County officials did not spend all they were asked for in a regional seniors program, but they did pony up for all they’d budgeted this year.
Barton County Commissioners, this week, approved funding $1,400 for the SouthWest Kansas Area Agency on Aging’s matching fund.
County Administrator Richard Boeckman explained the regional senior program was seeking $1,500 from Barton County for “seed dollars.”
During the county budget setting sessions, it was agreed that the county would cut all funding for outside agencies equally, which is why SWKAAA got $1,4000 instead of the $1,500 originally requested.
It was stressed at the commission meeting the change did not represent any displeasure with the agency.
Boeckman noted the SWKAAA gets funding from counties across this part of the state.
“These funds, which would be used as ‘seed dollars,’ are an equivalent match to the $423,036 in services received by older residents and low income families from Barton County,” according to information from the county.
The SWKAAA covers all of Kansas from Barton County, west to Colorado and south to Oklahoma.
According to information from the state, “the Area Agency on Aging is a grassroots organization built to respond to the needs in their community.
“Each AAA manages programs and services designed to meet the needs of its particular area.
“Their mission is to deliver easily accessible, top-quality services that sustain healthy lifestyles and support self-sufficiency in the aging population.”
“The SouthWest Kansas Area Agency on Aging is a planning, coordinating and funding agency for services to anyone age 60 and older living in southwest Kansas.”