Contracts for Trumbull senior services to be extended

The commissioners will probably look at expanding the number of senior centers.

By TIM YOVICH

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

WARREN — Nearly $2.5 million in contracts paid to vendors to provide services for county senior residents expires today.

Nonetheless, Trumbull County commissioners aren’t about to allow the senior services to lapse. The contracts will be extended for a few months.

“No one should get a disruption in service,” said Anthony Cario, staff director of the Trumbull County Senior Services Advisory Council.

The county receives about $2.5 million annually from a levy passed by voters in November 2005, with this year being the first full year for many of the services.

Cario explained that not all of the senior levy fund for 2007 will be spent, but the amount isn’t determined yet. The money will be rolled over into the 2008 account.

County Auditor Adrian Biviano put the amount that will be rolled over into 2008 at $1.5 million. This includes money not spent in 2006 and this year.

The levy is expected to generate about $2.2 million in 2008, Biviano said.

When county commissioners approve the 2008 budget in the coming months, contracts using the levy money will be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2008.

“That’s OK with us. The funds are available,” Biviano said.

Commissioner Paul Heltzel said the senior levy fund will have a three-month budget to continue to provide funds to vendors.

One item the commissioners will probably look at is expanding the number of senior centers. Heltzel said he has heard of three communities that are talking about establishing a center, but that can’t be determined until the county begins to accept proposals from them.

The commissioner also said he is looking to increase in-home services to the seniors, such as maintenance.

Heltzel said he wants to give the vendors more flexibility in providing services. For example, those providing mobile meals should be able to expand as the demand increases.

In addition, he wants to reduce the frustration of some vendors because of delays in getting paid for their services.

Between now and when the senior services budget is approved, the advisory council will seek proposals for services from current and prospective vendors.

For example, Easter Seals receives $110,100 to provide personal care, homemaker services, adult care and adult day-care transportation to clients. The council will seek proposals for a one-year contract in 2008.

Also, Trumbull County Jobs and Family Services receives $239,000 annually to provide clients with protective services.

Once the proposals are received, the commissioners can either accept them or modify them.

Cario explained that there is more of a demand for the money as seniors become increasing aware of the services that are provided.

Cario works for the Trumbull County Office of Elderly Affairs to assure the service is provided by the vendors. They aren’t paid until after Cario determines on a continuing basis that the tasks have been completed as the contracts specify.

Heltzel said the county may look at a different approach. He said Biviano is looking at vendors executing their contract and then being audited.

If money was misspent, the commissioner said, the county can seek to recover it. The downside, he added, is that any vendor who misspent money may not have any left to recover.

Also, such a changed approach will take some administrative burden off Cario, he noted.