Nord-Bridge seniors seeking funding fairness
FUNDING DISPARITY BETWEEN SENIORS ORGANIZATIONS A CONCERN
Members of the Nord-Bridge Senior Citizens Association believe they may be getting short-changed in the funding department. They hope an evaluation of their organization and the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) will lead to more equitable government funding in the future.
The association’s vice-president, Bob Tarleck, and president Pat Santa, came before council on Monday to request the establishment of a committee to examine the issue. But it’s not the first time the issue has been brought forward.
Almost 19 months ago, NordBridge made a presentation to city council of the findings of an Operational and Strategic Review of the association. The review contained information on how larger seniors centres, such as Nord-Bridge, are being funded across the province.
The intent was to ask “for a clear financial road map” so both senior organizations in the city could understand how funding decisions were made, explained Tarleck.
They believed council would set up a committee to examine the issue, but Tarleck said that didn’t happen. Instead it was referred to the Seniors Community Forum, now called “Age Friendly Lethbridge,” which is a networking forum, not a governance-related committee.
Which is why the association returned to council to request a committee finally be established. It’s timely as the 2019-22 operating budget deliberations are set to begin next fall.
“We think it’s important that it be fully unbiased, that it be a neutral committee with no representation by either Nord-Bridge or LSCO,” said Tarleck. “I think that neutrality is terribly important because we don’t want this to be a tug-of-war between two organizations. We want this to be a thoughtful, deliberate, meaningful exercise.”
In a recent letter to council, NordBridge maintains the issue brought forward on April 18, 2016 remains unaddressed, with a dramatic funding disparity between the two seniors centres.
From 2009 to 2018, City Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) funding for Nord-Bridge has increased from $180,500 to $209,500 budgeted for 2018. This represents an average increase of 1.6 per cent per year over the 10year period. In contrast, the LSCO received $220,000 in FCSS funding in 2009, with $344,700 budgeted for 2018. This represents an increase of 5.67 per cent per year.
Nord-Bridge also receives a $75,000 tax-based Community Grant per year.
During the council presentation, it was noted both organizations provide very different services and each operates under unique circumstances. While Nord-Bridge is the owner/operator of a strip mall, the LSCO operates out of a City-owned building, therefore the city takes care of most of the maintenance. However, the LSCO makes lease payments to the City — around $170,000 this year, said Coun. Rob Miyashiro, who is the executive director of the LSCO.
Miyashiro asked Tarleck whether he believes there is a conflict of interest because Miyashiro is a member of council. He wondered if Tarleck believes it’s been a detriment to funding for Nord-Bridge.
“Let me say there are people in the community who have voiced that to me,” said Tarleck.
Mayor Chris Spearman clarified that during the last four-year operating budget presentations, Miyashiro recused himself from the discussions on Nord-Bridge.
“There was no side-by-side comparison by council and no input from Councillor Miyashiro,” he said.
“And I’ve made no accusation but I’ve indicated from the point of view of Nord-Bridge there needs to be a clear division so that there is not even a suspicion of influence,” said Tarleck. Which is why he is suggesting a different process, and one that doesn’t involve the CEO of either organization, he explained.
Council voted all in favour to direct the Community Services Director to review the operations and funding models for both seniors organizations and to report the findings by May 28, 2018.
“It is really a fact-finding situation, and from those facts making some recommendations to council as to how to move forward with these organizations and what other funding might be required,” said interim City Manager Kathy Hopkins. She didn’t anticipate there would be much of a change because of FCSS funding policy outlined by the province.
“With that being said, we’ll see what the facts produce and make recommendations based on those for council consideration,” she said.
Amanda Jensen is the FCSS Coordinator for the City’s Community & Social Development team. The department is responsible for allocating preventative social service dollars from the province to both seniors organizations.
“We have two seniors centres in our city and they run and operate very differently,” said Jensen. “So comparing those two in terms of funding and the number of members they have and the services they offer are not comparing apples to apples, because they are such different organizations.
“So what this will give us is an opportunity to look at the data and bring facts forward so we can make sure there is equitable funding and we can make sure that we are serving the seniors of Lethbridge as efficiently and effectively as we can, because at the end of the day that is what we care about is making sure we’re doing that job properly.”
Tarleck said he is satisfied with what was decided and the time frame provided. He said it’s important to have a strategy in place as the senior population continues to grow and their needs continue to expand.
“Not just in southern Alberta, but around the world, countries and communities are realizing they need to change to meet those needs. We’re not going to warehouse people,” he said. “We need to ensure we look after not only their physical health, but their emotional and social wellbeing as well.”
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