The Edwards County Council on Aging (ECCOA) is facing a financial crunch and has requested assistance from the Village of West Salem to maintain the local senior center. However, village board members are hesitant to commit without a clearer picture of the organization’s finances.
During a meeting Monday evening, ECCOA President Doug Raber and Executive Director April Campbell-Rickey presented their case, revealing a $10,000 monthly deficit. While the village currently provides the building rent-free, ECCOA is responsible for all other expenses.
Raber proposed two options: either the village takes on all operating costs for the center, including utilities, staffing, and meals, or releases ECCOA from their lease agreement. He estimated the annual cost of running the center to be around $48,000.
Before making a decision, village trustees requested a detailed breakdown of ECCOA’s income and expenses for the West Salem center. Campbell-Rickey agreed to provide this information at a later date.
Other meeting highlights include:
Approved a redevelopment agreement using tax increment finance funds to support renovations at The Lumberyard Restaurant.
Approved funding for the 2025 Motor Fuel Tax road improvement projects.
Renewed the concession stand lease agreement with the West Salem Athletic Association.
Appointed Dalton Hough and Tod Goble to the utilities department and building inspector positions, respectively.
Issued reminders about upcoming events: Election Day on April 1st, an extra trash collection on April 17th, and community events like the Firemen’s Association pork chop supper, Easter egg hunt, and Freedom Festival.
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