Commissioners Court - Regular Session

Issue viewing agenda items? Click here to switch to the old format.

Return to the Search Page Return to the Agenda

31.

Meeting Date:	08/04/2015
Meals on Wheels Payroll Deduction
Submitted For:	Cynthia Long	Submitted By:	Kathy Pierce, Commissioner Pct. #2
Department:	Commissioner Pct. #2
Agenda Category:	Regular Agenda Items

Information

Agenda Item

Discuss, consider and take appropriate action regarding proposed authorization for employees to request voluntary payroll deduction from wages or salary for the benefit of charitable organization Meals on Wheels pursuant to Tex. Loc. Gov’t Code § 155.001(a)(4) and finding that action meets “public interest test” for benefit of residents of Williamson County under TEX. CONST. art. III, §§ 51, 52(f).

Background

The Meals on Wheels (MOW) home delivered meal program, operated by Williamson-Burnet County Opportunities began in 1977 and is vital to the health and well-being of seniors. The program does not just meet the Recommended Daily Allowance for seniors through hot, nutritious meals that are prepared locally by chefs in senior center kitchens, but the home delivered meals also provide a much needed human connection, for seniors that can often be isolated through disabilities. Caring volunteer drivers establish connections with seniors in the MOW program and through daily wellness checks can identify when a problem occurs. The program has saved lives, as was demonstrated recently when a volunteer was concerned when an elderly woman did not answer her door when her meal arrived. The driver reported his concerns to the MOW Site Director, who insisted on a welfare check in the apartment. The woman had fallen and could not get up, but received quick medical attention after her fall, due to the daily wellness check provided by her caring volunteer driver. MOW helps seniors retain their independence and dignity, allowing them the freedom to remain in their own home longer, with a feeling of security.

Meals on Wheels of Williamson & Burnet Counties evaluates its program through quarterly satisfaction surveys of clients receiving both congregate meals at senior centers and home delivered meals. The Area Agency on Aging (AAA), a branch of the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), also conducts satisfaction surveys of WBCO’s MOW program. Both satisfaction surveys consistently demonstrate that the MOW program provides excellent food and services for seniors. This year (July 2014-June 2015) the program reported:

*91% of clients are eating more nutritious meals than before participating in the program.
*85% of clients are able to remain in their homes longer due to the program.
*79% of clients feel more secure in their homes.

During 2014, WBCO's MOW Program served approximately 38,000 congregate meals and over 108,000 home delivered meals.

Fiscal Impact

From/To	Acct No.	Description	Amount

Attachments
Payroll Dedection Information
MOW Photo 1 July 2015
Campaign Pledge Form

Form Review

Inbox	Reviewed By	Date
County Judge Exec Asst.	Wendy Coco	07/30/2015 08:24 AM
Form Started By: Kathy Pierce		Started On: 07/29/2015 04:51 PM
Final Approval Date: 07/30/2015