A small group of seniors applauded Tuesday when the Flathead County commissioners unanimously voted to retain the Area IX Agency on Aging as a department of the county.

The commissioners were required to direct the state Department of Public Health and Human Services by Jan. 31 how they want aging services handled in their area.

Every four years the state requires counties and tribal governments to redesignate the planning and service areas it uses for the aging population.

Lisa Sheppard, director of the Area IX Agency on Aging, explained four different options to the commissioners, including turning over services to a private nonprofit group. Her analysis strongly favored keeping the agency under the county umbrella in order to deliver services in the most efficient manner.

Several seniors testified in support of keeping the Agency on Aging with the county. Lois Katz, chairwoman of the agency’s advisory board, told the commissioners the agency is “really well run as is.

“I see no reason to change,” Katz said.

Khit Harding, co-manager of the Kalispell Senior Center, said Sheppard has been instrumental in making seniors aware of the services and benefits available through the Agency on Aging. Harding added that the Kalispell Senior Center is “thrilled” to be joining the agency in the forthcoming South Campus Building that will provide space for the Agency on Aging and senior center.

JoLynn Yenne said changing the structure of the agency wouldn’t be in the best interest of seniors.

She maintained that turning aging services over to the private sector could yield a decline in the quality of services because there could be a tendency to cut corners.

The commissioners didn’t discuss the options.

Commissioner Pam Holmquist said she has always felt comfortable with keeping the Agency on Aging within the county.

Commissioner Phil Mitchell said he had talked to Charlie Rehbein, bureau chief of the Montana Office on Aging, to learn about the various options.

“I think it’s fine where we’re at,” Mitchell said. “We know our demographics and we’ll have control of the money and the agency.”

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.