Organizational Restructuring and Financial Oversight Focus of Council on Aging Meeting
The Gardner Council on Aging met on January 5, 2026. The current Chair Ron Dameka, Vice Chair Paul Leone, Treasurer Terri Hillman, and Secretary Kathy O’Brien were reelected. Financial reports were a major component of the discussion, with officials detailing the status of the general fund, gift fund, and various grants while noting rising utility and maintenance costs. Director Mike Ellis provided an extensive report highlighting community outreach achievements, upcoming tax assistance programs, and necessary repairs to the facility’s fire escape. Also discussed: the ongoing renovations at the Waterford Street location, specifically regarding bathroom upgrades and future plans for professional painting. Listen to the entire meeting on any device, CLICK PLAY.
Details on some of the challenges faced: While overall spending from the General Fund is tracking at the expected 50% mark, several key budget lines signal structural challenges that demand attention. The items below are selected for this article. Here is our complete report on pdf, CLICK HERE.
• Overtime: This line is at 90% utilization, a pressure resulting directly from the success of our popular, high-demand evening programming. While this is a positive indicator of community engagement, it creates an urgent need for a sustainable funding solution. The planned mitigation strategy of having salaried staff cover more evening hours is a temporary measure, and a supplemental budget request will be necessary.
• Repairs & Maintenance: This line is currently approximately $1,500 over budget and is on a trajectory to reach a total expenditure similar to last year’s $17,000. Given the ongoing needs of the facility, a supplemental budget request is highly likely.
• Energy & Utilities: While appearing healthy at only 18% utilization, actual monthly expenses are 33% higher than last year. The budget has remained solvent only due to citywide National Grid credits. This signals a significant future vulnerability, as the budget is not structured to absorb the true 33% increase in energy costs once the one-time city credits are depleted.
• Office Supplies: At 75% utilization, this line is already over budget. It was noted that some of these costs can be absorbed through other available funding mechanisms to alleviate pressure on the General Fund.