Episodic issues between the Emporia Senior Center and the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging are back in the forefront.
Two weeks ago, Senior Center Director Ian Boyd told Lyon County commissioners the Area Agency has not paid certain bills for its help with the senior meal program — and said he didn’t “care to do business with someone who is not going to honor their contracts with us.” Area Agency on Aging Director Julie Govert-Walter tells KVOE News the crux of the current issue has to do with reimbursement of about $1,000.
The Area Agency offers meals to Lyon County seniors, including those using the Emporia center, through the Friendship Meals program located at the Friendship Center in south Emporia.
For his part, Boyd says there are other issues between the two agencies, but those will not be addressed until an upcoming Senior Center Board of Directors meeting. However, Boyd says it’s the third time he’s had to take drastic measures to get the Area Agency to pay the bill, following measures of an eviction notice, an inquiry through the Kansas Governor’s office and the June 17 Lyon County Commission meeting, where Boyd said the Senior Center was beginning plans to start its own meal service for seniors.
Boyd says a contract outlining services was signed by the Area Agency 10 years ago. Periodic issues between the two agencies actually go back most of the last 20 years.
The Area Agency provides services to 18 counties, including Lyon, Chase, Morris and Wabaunsee in the KVOE listening area. It receives funding through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services as a pass-through of federal funds through the Older Americans Act.
