Senior center asking city to revisit cuts

Recently the Des Plaines City Council deleted support to the Des Plaines senior center for the $40,000 which had been in the 2009 budget. There is no question that budget cuts are necessary, but we ask that the council consider reallocate some of these cuts so as to include some help to the senior centers.

The senior center is primarily self supporting. It provides counseling, medical equipment and help, a full meal for $4, lifeline monitoring, a helpline, a center to enjoy the many activities and trips provided there, etc.

The expenses for these services to 16,000 seniors (most living in Des Plaines) exceed $450,000 per year. We believe that services that we provide reduce many problems that otherwise would have to be handled by the city. Help that comes from the city with meal subsidies, lawn mowing, etc. reduce our operating costs by approximately $20,000 per year, and it is appreciated.

There are seniors and others making calls to their aldermen regarding the need for some financial help from our city. The city council meets Nov. 17 for discussion, and final budget decisions will be at the Dec. 1 council meeting.

The Frisbie center has been understaffed for over a year, and there have been no raises for a longer time. The dedicated staff donates extra hours along with other senior volunteers to maintain a smooth operation. In short, the center is doing a good service but seriously needs some financial help from Des Plaines.

Nobody questions the need for a budget cut. We only ask that the city council members consider an allocation of funds that can include some badly needed funds to the Frisbie and Prairie Lakes centers. We have dedicated people and volunteers, operate on a lean budget, but in these hard times when more folks need and use our services, we could really use your help and support.

William McNutt, member

Senior Advisory Council

Des Plaines