Title
Hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution authorizing $37,500 or a match of 10%, for Aging Services for the North Carolina Department of Transportation FY28 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Grant Program (Section 5310)
Abstract
Introduction & Background: The Section 5310 Capital Purchase of Service Grant Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Grant Program provides funding for transportation to Aging Services centers in Pittsboro and Siler City, medical transportation and group trips.
Should the allocations remain consistent with FY26, 80% of this total will originate from federal sources, with 10 percent from NCDOT. The final 10% requires a local match, equaling $37,500. The Board did approve this match for the FY27 application process.
This funding provides transportation through a contract between Chatham County and Chatham Transit Network, the latter being the sole public transportation provider within Chatham County. It will serve the elderly and disabled population of Chatham who would otherwise be limited in accessing basic needs and societal supports. Funding will be utilized for transportation to sites such as senior centers, congregate meal locations, local pharmacies and grocery stores. Additionally, a portion of the funding budget will be set aside for medical transportation, which includes doctor’s appointments. Three in 10 Chatham County residents are 65 years of age and older, and by 2039, it is estimated that over 40% of Chatham residents will be 60 years of age and older.
Given Chatham County's extensive rural nature at over 700 square miles and minimal availability of public transportation options, this funding will combat isolation and loneliness among Chatham's most vulnerable citizens - especially those on a fixed income that do not live close to friends or family members and cannot afford to pay for private transportation (such as Uber).
Since the grant funding is over the $100,000 threshold, Aging Services received the required permission from the Board to apply for this funding during its May 4 meeting.
Discussion & Analysis: Aging Services is requesting the required 10% local match for the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s FY28 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Grant. Aging Services will request a total of $375,000 for the grant, to begin in FY28. This is an increase from the $310,000 we have requested in previous years, which would make the requested county match $37,500. Currently, Chatham Transit applies for funds under the same grant, however, their required match is 50%, compared to just 10% for Aging Services.
Over the next two fiscal years, Aging Services plans to become the sole applicant for FY28 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Grant Funding within Chatham County, which will result in a net savings to the county.
In FY 27, the county will provide $136,000 in matching funds between Aging Services and Chatham Transit. Chatham Transit expects a decrease in its FY28 funding for this grant to $135,000. If this takes place, then the combined match between Aging Services and Chatham Transit following the 50% and 10% matches, respectively, would be $105,000 - a savings of over 20%.
Beginning in FY29, should Aging Services receive the requested FY28 funding in full, Chatham Transit will withdraw from future 5310 application processes and allow Aging Services to be the sole applicant within the county. This will permit the county to request more funding while realizing additional savings in matching funds.
While we do not know what our official total allocation will be for FY28 and will not know until summer 2027, the application process and early October deadline dictate that we approach the Board at this time.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: This grant will provide equitable access to community options for all, while also fostering a healthy community.
Budgetary Impact: The budgetary impact would be $37,500 to fund the required 10% local match for FY27. However, should Aging Services receive its funding request in full, it would represent an additional budget increase of $336,500 outside of the County match, which will be reimbursable through NCDOT.
Recommendation/Motion: Hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution authorizing the $37,500 or a match of 10%, for Aging Services for the FY28 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Grant.