Bob Foos
The announcement that after 43 years meals will no longer be served at the Webb City Senior Citizens Center has become a rallying call for many in Webb City and in the area.
The Area Agency on Aging Region X informed the city on Tuesday, March 24, that it would no longer conduct its programs at just the Webb City Senior Citizens Center after April 10.
Carolyn McGowan, one of those relying on eating lunch on weekdays at the center, has gathered dozens of pages of signatures stating that “All Region X state and federal funding should be allocated to all six cities allowing them to be open the number of days possible with the help of local agencies and city government.”
To be clear, Area Agency on Aging only provides the meals and three employees to operate the center.
The building itself is owned and maintained by the city. It was constructed in 1983 at a cost of $153,000, paid for with a Community Development Block Grant from HUD.
City Administrator Carl Francis says he is in the process of negotiating with the agency to determine ownership of the kitchen equipment and other items inside the building.
He says he has the paper work from 1983 from when the city dedicated the equipment to the agency. “I’m telling them, ‘if you leave I want it back.’”
He says he is also working with the agency about ways to possibly fund a meal program in the future in Webb City.
The senior center advisory board is determined to keep it (the center) open, he says. “I’m sure the city is here to help.”
The City Council doesn’t meet again until April 13, but Francis says, “There’s no way they’re (council) is closing that.
“I’ve had hundreds concerned citizens contact me” to make sure it stays open.
“They (callers) think it’s the city shutting it down. When it’s just the opposite. We’re trying to keep it open.”
He notes the city’s support of other programs, such as the Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce and the Webb City Farmers Market.
“I cannot think of anything that’s more important than the senior citizens center.
“It’s more than just a lunch place. That’s their life. It gives them something to look forward to.”
