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Senior center faces crisis

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Martin Senior Service CenterBy Tony Farkas
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TRINITY — Martin Senior Center is facing a funding crisis, and sought help from the Trinity City Council to the tune of $2,500 per month.

Center Director David Kester said the center is becoming more active, and has 30 years of wear and tear that needs to be updated.

Additionally, they need to expand their offices, as there is more seniors using the center, and they are trying to develop more activities for seniors

“We’re struggling with money, as inflation has hit us as it has hit everyone else,” he said.

Even though the center is serving roughly 21,000 meals a year, Kester said the community will have to be more involved if they are to continue providing services. 

Additionally, the center needs funding agencies, such as the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, to be timely with payments, as money owed by DETCOG to the center is typically 60 to 90 days past due. Because of that, Kester told the council that there were no funds to make this week’s payroll.

However, the council voted to table the matter for later discussion.

In a separate matter, the council discussed street repair within the city, and identified 14 streets that require immediate intention.

The council had appointed Ronnie Waters of Waters Construction to survey the city streets to create a list for the project.

Since the critical jobs have been identified, the city now will solicit bids for the repair work.

In other business, the council:

 • approved Joyce Baker as voting clerk for the May 7 city election, and City Manager Steven Jones as election judge;

• approved researching the best plans for replacing police and Public Works vehicles;

• discussed renovations at the basketball/tennis courts; and

•approved Economic Development Board recommendations for a loan to George McMichael and awnings installation at Chica’s coffee house amounting to $37,000.

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