The small aerobics room at the Ellicott City Senior Center barely fits the more than 100 senior citizens who sign up each week for exercise classes, and membership at the center is growing.
“We’re bursting at the seams,” said Velva Howard, president of the senior council at the Ellicott City Senior Center.
The center stands as one example of the growing needs of Howard’s aging population – and one more priority competing for funding in tight budget times.
About 40 seniors lobbied county officials Tuesday for increased funding for senior services, stressing the need for expanded facilities, during a public hearing at the center.
Resident Ruth Watkins, 83, pointed to the 1.53 percent of the county’s budget dedicated to the Department of Citizens Services, which includes the Office on Aging.
“That 1.53 percent is not going to cut the mustard for a growing population,” Watkins said.
But seniors aren’t the only ones making a case for funding as officials prepare the proposed fiscal 2009 operating budget, and declining revenue from a slumping real estate market is putting a strain on spending.
“I don’t think I need to tell you we are entering into challenging times,” said Ray Wacks, Howard’s budget director, at the hearing.
Howard’s Office on Aging operates eight senior centers, which provide activities and programs.
The Ellicott City center, which was at capacity when it opened six years ago, was used 29,000 times last year, said center Director Carla Buehler.
A proposal to expand the Miller Library next door may offer some relief, said County Executive Ken Ulman, adding the proposal is early in the process. The senior center could use some of the space for daytime programs.
“We really have to look at ways to make improvements here,” he said.
Aging population
» Howard’s 55-and-older population is expected to increase from 19 percent to 31 percent of the county population in the next 25 years.
» The number of residents aged 20 to 54 is expected to stay the same, thus dropping to 44 percent of the population.
» By 2030, nearly 98,000 residents 55 and older are projected to live in Howard.
Source:Howard’s Senior Housing Master Plan
