Senior Services Townhall - April 27, 2026

The City of Mount Vernon, WA, held a Senior Services Townhall on April 27, 2026, focusing on updates and future plans for senior nutrition programs and the Mount Vernon Senior Center. A key procurement-related announcement was that the Skagit Council on Aging (SCOA) will take over as the sole contractor for the senior nutrition program starting July 1, 2026, transitioning from county management. SCOA aims to retain current employees and volunteers to ensure continuity of Meals on Wheels and congregate meal services through the end of 2026. Discussions also covered the challenges of funding and maintaining the aging Mount Vernon Senior Center facility, with no immediate plans to close or relocate it. The county secured $1.5 million in state legislative funding to explore a joint senior housing and senior center project at the current location, with plans to engage private partners for development and operation. The meeting emphasized collaboration among city, county, nonprofits, and the community to sustain and enhance senior services, highlighting the need for creative funding solutions and operational efficiencies moving forward.