TRAVERSE CITY -- The Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging board is trying to get creative when it comes to planning for future budget shortfalls.
The Commission board is bracing for a shortfall of $320,000 in the 2012 budget.
“We’re okay this year,” explained Georgia Durga, COA director, “we have the reserve funds to cover it. But our board has made the decision to immediately evaluate all future programs.”
The Program and Finance Committees are taking immediate steps to plan for future services. Durga tells UpNorthLive the committees are starting from ground zero and building the budget from there.
"What they decided to do was prioritize programs with a zero based budgeting. Go down to nothing and build back up based on prioritizing services, as well as client and staff input," explained Durga.
Durga said the committees are not necessarily looking at cuts, but also new sources of revenue. "We are open to any creative solutions."
The next Grand Traverse County Commission on Aging Board meeting is March 6 at 9am. It will take place at the Commission on Aging Office 520 West Front Street, Suite B in Traverse City.
The Finance Committee will meet to discuss the budget on March 20 at 8:30am. The Program Committee will take place March 21 at 3:30pm.
The Board is also taking a look at strategic planning with goals and objectives for the next three years.
