The future of Mount Vernon’s senior center is clouded by budget concerns and a failing building.
For National Senior Center Month, Skagit County released a statement in September expressing its continued support for senior services. But some, including Mount Vernon Senior Center advisory board president Gerry Douglas, said with budget concerns and a failing building, there is much work to be done.
Douglas said she’s been seeking change for about 10 years. As of now, the future of the center is up in the air.
County expresses commitment
The release said a “difficult budget reality” in 2026 means tough decisions for senior services.
Senior centers and Meals on Wheels are estimated to cost the county over $1.7 million next year, representing an approximately 100% increase in program cost over the last 10 years.
The release also said there have been no discussions to close any centers or end the Meals on Wheels program.
Skagit County communications manager Jenn Rogers wrote in an email that the statement came after continued concerns were raised from community members.
“There were several posts made on social media that stated the county was planning to close senior centers, end the Meals on Wheels program and/or shifting the responsibility of operating these services to the cities,” Rogers said.
“It was important to the county commissioners to clarify their support and commitment to these services continuing.”
A partnership between local nonprofits and the county, which is common in other counties in Washington, could help alleviate some of the cost.
According to a follow-up press release, Skagit County Public Health has recommended the commissioners make no changes to operations of senior centers and associated programming.
Additionally, Public Health recommended to maintain the current level of service for the senior nutrition program through June 30, 2026.
Problems with the building
The Mount Vernon Senior Center building was constructed in 1938 and served as an elementary school until the ‘70s.
Cracks in the walls, a failing electrical system, minimal space and rooms meant for small children are all signs of pressing need.
The freezer is set off in a separate room from the kitchen, as Douglas said it’s the only place it won’t set off the breaker.
Even in mid-fall, the lack of air conditioning is evident, and Douglas said the winters are cold.
The Mount Vernon Senior Center is one of four centers in Skagit. The Anacortes, Burlington and Sedro-Woolley senior centers are owned by the cities where they reside, while the Mount Vernon Senior Center is owned by the county.
Douglas said they’ve not been able to make any renovations to the building, as it’s too old to feasibly upkeep.
Rogers said the county is continuing to search for a new location for the center.
“We have a couple leads that we are exploring further,” she said.
She said there is no estimation for when there will be a solution.
Serving through the struggles
Despite the issues, the center still provides resources like hot meals, classes, community and more.
Douglas said her own garden club meets there weekly.
There is a store for seniors to sell their handmade goods, and tables are set up with free books and other items.
Each month, 3,000 seniors receive meals on wheels and 700 receive meals on site. The food is cooked at the Burlington Senior Center and brought to the Mount Vernon Center to be heated and served.
The Burlington center is at capacity and unable to assist further.
Meals on Wheels is partially funded through the Older Americans Act, which provides about one-third of the funding required for providers to operate the program in communities.
There have been no increases in these allocations to account for inflation, which has led to more dependence on local funds.
Skagit County fundraises each year to provide extra funding to this program.
What’s next
In a September work session, public health staff recommended commissioners to make no changes to operations of senior centers.
It was also recommended to notify Northwest Regional Council that Skagit County intends to transition the senior nutrition contract to a new community provider starting July 2026.
Staff stated that this transition would be preferable to reducing hot congregate meals or hot meal deliveries, as more seniors could be offered meals.
As for the failing building, Douglas said she remains hopeful and doesn’t believe the county will leave seniors out to dry.
“We’re planning behind the scenes,” she said. “If this is going to happen, we locally are going to have to step up and make it happen.”
— By Libby Williams
Also read in Salish Current:
• “Cultivating a resilient regional ‘seed to sandwich’ food system,” Feb. 12, 2024
• “Hamlet House: keeping seniors in the community,” Dec. 22, 2022
• “Eldercare crisis inspires ‘life-changing‘ innovation on San Juan Island,” Dec. 10, 2021