Senior Coalition Helps County Fund Two New Meals on Wheels Trucks

The William N. Pennington Life Center Coalition for Senior Citizens met last Monday, October 28, to address several upcoming expenses. The coalition chair and Churchill County Commissioner, Dr. Justin Heath, presided over the meeting, with Karla Kent, Rinnie Barrenchea, Dawn East, Pat McDougall, Crystal Muschetto, and Secretary Pam Moore in attendance. 

Before delving into multiple financial matters, the board approved implementing a process allowing Life Center staff to request items from the coalition more easily. A new form was created to simplify and clarify, which will help expedite future requests. 

Following previous discussions, the board approved the purchase of five tables for the Life Center dining room at a cost of $2,054.45. To minimize fees, members decided to withdraw funds from the Coalition’s CD during the January grace period, allowing the board to avoid extra penalties and interest. 

The most significant expense facing the coalition is the ongoing need for two new trucks for the Meals on Wheels program. Churchill County Social Services Director Shannon Ernst explained at the coalition meeting in July that there is a critical need for Meals on Wheels service, which is vital to area seniors. “We’ve had ongoing issues with the hot and cold boxes and the trucks themselves,” Ernst explained. “The previous models wore out long before their mileage reflected it because the boxes ran directly off the truck’s engine and refrigeration system. Our road department found an alternative: box units that run independently on a compressor inside. These new models mean the trucks will last significantly longer.” 

Meeting documents indicated that Churchill County has raised $150,553.05 through state grants but still needs an additional $24,246.95 to complete the purchase. Ernst stated at the July meeting that the coalition’s contribution could wait if the county knew the funds were coming. Ernst also appreciated the coalition’s commitment to filling this funding gap. “Knowing that these funds are committed will allow us to move forward without interruption to this essential service for our seniors,” she added. The board resolved to transfer $25,000 from the CD into the checking account in January. 

The coalition also reviewed an invoice for $10,081.16 from the IRS for a filing issue dating back to June 2019. According to the board, the penalty stemmed from a filing error by a former accountant who submitted documents on paper rather than electronically, as required by IRS regulations. Additionally, the accountant incorrectly attempted to adjust the organization’s fiscal year-end date. While the board’s current CPA is working to dispute the penalty, members approved a motion to pay in January. The board hopes to obtain a refund on the payment if a penalty waiver is not secured before January.

In preparation for Dr. Heath’s term ending on January 1, 2025, the board discussed filling his position and another, agreeing to post the openings in the newspaper, on the county’s website, social media, and at the Life Center. Members also discussed the possibility of appointing non-voting members to support specific initiatives.

Financial reports indicate assets at $171,676 across all accounts, with $5,028.76 in checking, $2,520.13 in a money market account, and $164,127.60 in a CD.

Income for the fiscal year, which runs from July 2024 to June 2025, was reported at $7,794.66, with expenses at $12,268.91, which means a net operating loss of $4,474.25 for the fiscal year.

The board plans to withdraw funds for the tables, IRS penalty, and trucks during the CD’s January grace period, which will allow them to minimize interest and penalties and manage the budget most effectively. 

The next coalition meeting was scheduled for January 27, at which officer elections will be held.