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Friday, 30 May 2008 |
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 Staff photo/Mary Bargdill
A van from the Auglaize County Council on Aging leaves to pick up a client.
By MARY BARGDILL
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — The rising cost of fuel has prompted a county agency to be more creative with how it coordinates schedules and routes for their clients.
The Auglaize County Council on Aging has provided transportation services to doctors appointments and grocery stores for its clients since 1976. However, the price increase in gasoline has forced the agency to work more closely with their clients’ schedules, often picking them up sooner or dropping them off later. The moves are an effort to save money on fuel.
“We’re trying to coordinate trips together a little better,” Transportation Coordinator Elsie McGlothen said. “They may not like it, but after I explain it’s because of the cost of gas, they understand.”
During the month of April, ACCA van drivers covered approximately 18,000 miles at a cost of more than $5,000. Besides local trips throughout Auglaize County, drivers also transport clients to Shelby or Allen counties for routine medical appointments.
“We’re spending between $5,500 and $6,000 a month in gas,” McGlothen said.
In April 2007, ACCA spent close to $4,000.
By purchasing fuel through the county garage in Wapakoneta, ACCA is able to save nearly 50 cents per gallon. The savings helps reduce the impact at the pump for the county department.
“They’re graciously supporting us in our endeavors,” Director Christina Roby said. “There’s not too many counties that will do that, so we really appreciate it.”
Roby said providing services for local senior citizens is vital to the community.
“We didn’t expect gas prices this high, but people in the county need to know we’re still going to be there because of our county levy,” Roby said. “It’s for Auglaize County residents, we take care of our own.”
In an effort to care for seniors so they may remain at home, ACCA also provides a light housekeeping program and a chore program for home improvement projects.
“The services are increasing and with the cost of gas, I think people will call us more,” McGlothen said.
The ACCA’s fleet consists of nine vehicles — five transportation vans and four vans. The fleet also is used for delivering prescription meals.
“We’re very aware of the tax dollars we receive and we are utilizing those dollars to the best of our ability,” Roby said.
Roby said despite the squeeze at the gas pump, ACCA has yet to make any budget cuts to cover the cost of fuel.
“We’re just very cautious how we spend our money,” she said.
Funds generated from a levy passed in 2006 have gone a long way to supporting the ACCA, Roby said.
“Without county support, because of budget cuts in federal funds, we could not be providing services for this county if it would not be for residents of Auglaize County,” Roby said.
Roby despite soaring fuel costs, services at the facility will not be diminished.
“By no means will we quit providing transportation for the residents of Auglaize County,” Roby said. “That’s not going to happen.”
Where there’s a will there’s a way.” |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 05 June 2008 )
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