SENIOR SERVICES BOARD TO ACCEPT FUNDING REQUESTS

JACKSON -- Although the Cape Girardeau County Senior Services Board won't have any money to distribute until early next year, it is now accepting requests for funds from agencies and organizations that provide services to Cape County residents over age 60.

The seven-member board was appointed by the County Commission in June to screen requests for money derived from a 5-cent property tax for senior programs in the county. The tax is expected to generate about $200,000 in revenue each year. All of the money must be spent on programs that serve Cape countians who are 60 or older.

"I feel a lot better tonight than I did two weeks ago," said board Chairman Robert Deneke after the meeting.

The board authorized that ads be published in the Cape Girardeau and Jackson newspapers to inform the agencies and organizations that serve people 60 and older that they can now apply to the board for an application form for funding.

Deneke emphasized that the board cannot approve requests for funds for individuals or from agencies representing an individual.

"This money can be used to improve current services to senior citizens, provide new services, or to provide for funds that were lost from other sources," he explained.

Requests for applications should be sent to: Senior Citizens Service Fund, Cape Girardeau County Administration Building, 1 Barton Square, Jackson, Mo. 63755.

The application form will ask the service provider why the money is needed, how much is needed, if there are other sources of funding for the agency, when the money will be spent, and if the agency will ask for donations to help defray the cost of providing the service. In addition, the application will ask for information about the background of the agency or organization and what kind of service it provides.

Vice Chairman Cecilia Sonderman said it is important that service providers who apply for the funds expand their services to the elderly in the out-county area instead of concentrating their activities only in Cape Girardeau and Jackson. "Let's not forget these people," she said.

Board Member Ken Lucy said he was concerned all of the requests for money would come from providers who serve the elderly in the two cities. Lucy said he was also concerned some organizations and agencies may see the board as "their `Sugar Daddy,' with no incentive to continue to seek funds from additional sources or to expand their services to other elderly residents in the county."

Deneke said those concerns would be met in the wording of the funding application. He also said the board would carefully review all requests for funds.

The board agreed to have County Treasurer Bill Reynolds handle its financial affairs and keep the books. The board's money, which will begin coming in after the first of the year, will be placed in a special bank account and not in the general revenue fund. Funds not needed will be invested by the county with all interest going back into the senior services fund account. All checks will be signed by the treasurer or deputy treasurer and a member of the board, using a voucher system as authorization for payment.

Board member Shelba Branscum was elected the board secretary.

The board's next meeting will be on Aug. 15, at 6;30 p.m., in the basement of the administration building.