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March 1, 2006
County comes through for its senior citizens
By GINA B. GOOD
The commissioners voted to continue funding the senior center to the tune of $10,000 per month for the next six months from the monies gained from sale of county land. The county restricted the funds to paying the monthly bills and requiring a monthly written or oral report from the senior center's board, detailing the facility's financial status. Next Tuesday, representatives of the senior center's board are slated to present plans and recommendations for the center's future to the commissioners. Commissioner Candice Trummell said hopefully with six months of reliable funding, a solid plan could be put together for the center. Commissioner Gary Hollis seconded the motion made by Commissioner Patricia Cox. Commissioners Joni Eastley and Midge Carver voted against the motion. After the meeting, Walt Kuver, a member of the current Pahrump Senior Center Board said an independent audit of the center's books - funded by the county for $20,000 - will begin as soon as the money is received. "We are turning Dan McArthur's CPA firm loose to do a 2004-2005 audit," said Kuver. "In the meanwhile, we have made good use of the initial $20,000 (granted by the county) to pay short term bills. They are under control." Kuver also said the center's long term bills are being negotiated and some have been cut significantly. "Ultimately, we have to deal with the remainder," he said. Kuver is in favor of selling the senior center land - which is a land-locked one-acre parcel in the middle of a mobile home park owned by Gene Scheppmann, a longtime benefactor of the senior center. The senior center would then lease back the facilities - which includes the senior center building and thrift store - from Scheppmann, who is in favor of the sale. "Of course, the commissioners need to be reassured that this move will be risk-free for the county," Kuver said. According to Kuver, selling the property and leasing it back would be beneficial to all parties. Scheppmann would be free to upgrade the facilities and at the same time would be responsible for maintaining the structures. "The sale would also clear up some casual boundary line issues," said Kuver. Scheppmann also owns the property on David Street, currently used as the senior center's bus yard. "There is a lot left to learn and get under control and document," Kuver noted. "As people leave (the organization) their knowledge is lost. It's an endless cycle," he said. |
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