Commissioners sign updated agreement with Council on Aging

MARSHALL COUNTY — The Marshall County Commissioners signed an updated Vehicle Lease agreement with the Marshall County Council on aging.

Director Janis Jeffirs Holiday informed the Commissioners that the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) wants an official agreement. What used to be a brief paragraph is now six pages defining the agreement.

The Council on aging pays Marshall County $1 a year for the use of eight vehicles. attorney James Clevenger reviewed the proposed agreement and informed the Commissioners that it was similar to prior agreements. The Council on aging assumes full responsibility for following the rules and conditions regarding the use of the vehicles, record keeping, insurance, and maintenance.

Holiday also updated the Commissioners on the quarterly report. The quarterly claim totaled $108,257 for operating expenses resulting in a claim to INDOT for roughly half of that amount totaling $57,354.

Holiday reported 6,561 trips last quarter with a total of 46,000 miles. Of those trips the Council on aging facilitated 99 trips out of county and only had to issue 76 denials.

The medium sized transit bus that was ordered in 2021 should arrive within the next couple of months. Construction and delivery was delayed due to the chip shortage. Originally the price was $59,000 but increased to $117,000. Since the Food and Drug administration (FDA) is covering most of the cost the Council on aging is facing an out of pocket in the amount of approximately $11,000. “We will be very happy to have that,” said Holiday. They have two busses for transport

currently, the rest are minivans. “We could really use another bus.” The bus will be added to the fleet to replace the already sold minivan.

Holiday said that the Council on Aging is in “desperate need” of a full time scheduler / dispatcher. Another catalytic converter was also stolen off one of the busses taking it out of commission. The Council on Aging had to rely on only one bus during that time. Commissioner Stan Klotz said, “I can’t believe people would stoop to that level to steal from Older Adult Services; unfortunately that’s where we’re at.”

Call 574-936-9904 to schedule a ride.

PILOT NEWS GROUP PHOTO / JAMIE FLEURY In addition to providing Public Transportation for Marshall County residents, the Marshall County Council on Aging also offers a variety of activities for residents to participate in including exercise and crafts. A group of knitters meet every Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the Life Enrichment Center located at 1305 W. Harrison St. Plymouth. A full list of activities can be found online at www.marshallcountycouncilonaging.org. Shown in photo from left to right: Ruth Clark, Carol Dove, Pat Thieling, and Karen Fetscher.