With the global economic downturn continuing to impact state funds, Governor Jay Nixon recently announced another round of budget withholds.
One such cut is affecting the Heritage Harmony House, the local senior center.
The Southwest Missouri Office of Aging (SWMOA), the area agency which funds the Heritage Harmony House, is facing more than $150,000 in general revenue withholds that must take place before July 1.
In an effort to maintain services without major harm, the board of directors for SWMOA had to share the reductions across all expenses. Tough decisions had to be made, said a spokesman.
As a result, SWMOA will be closing all direct senior centers throughout southwest Missouri and the administrative office in Springfield from three to five days in the next three months.
During these closing, all employees will be taking unpaid furlough days.
“We understand these furlough days will be a hardship on employees and their families and on those who rely on the services which we provide. Our staff will assure that seniors who receive home meals will have an advance meal for the day the center is closed,” said Kathy Lacy, administrator of Heritage Harmony House.
Monday, April 5, and Monday, April 26, are the first two days the local senior center will be closed for furlough. Subsequent days of closure will be announced as they occur, according to Lacy.
“To keep the budget balanced, the board will continue to seek fair and responsible ways of cutting costs as we face a new year of funding challenges,” said Lacy.
“If you would like to help with our challenges, please let your state representative and senators know that our services make a difference. Contributions can be made to your local senior center or the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging Foundation,” said Lacy.
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With the global economic downturn continuing to impact state funds, Governor Jay Nixon recently announced another round of budget withholds.
One such cut is affecting the Heritage Harmony House, the local senior center.
The Southwest Missouri Office of Aging (SWMOA), the area agency which funds the Heritage Harmony House, is facing more than $150,000 in general revenue withholds that must take place before July 1.
In an effort to maintain services without major harm, the board of directors for SWMOA had to share the reductions across all expenses. Tough decisions had to be made, said a spokesman.
As a result, SWMOA will be closing all direct senior centers throughout southwest Missouri and the administrative office in Springfield from three to five days in the next three months.
During these closing, all employees will be taking unpaid furlough days.
“We understand these furlough days will be a hardship on employees and their families and on those who rely on the services which we provide. Our staff will assure that seniors who receive home meals will have an advance meal for the day the center is closed,” said Kathy Lacy, administrator of Heritage Harmony House.
Monday, April 5, and Monday, April 26, are the first two days the local senior center will be closed for furlough. Subsequent days of closure will be announced as they occur, according to Lacy.
“To keep the budget balanced, the board will continue to seek fair and responsible ways of cutting costs as we face a new year of funding challenges,” said Lacy.
“If you would like to help with our challenges, please let your state representative and senators know that our services make a difference. Contributions can be made to your local senior center or the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging Foundation,” said Lacy.
