Costs projected to double
Skagit County is stirring up tough budget conversations as the rising costs of senior services and Meals on Wheels outpace available funding.
County officials have said senior centers and the Meals on Wheels program are projected to cost more than $1.7 million in 2026 — more than double what they cost a decade ago. While the county stressed there are no plans to shut down senior centers or eliminate meal delivery, leaders said they must consider changes to balance the budget.
The changes could impact La Conner, where 16 residents receive Meals on Wheels and the La Conner Senior Center receives some funding from the county, including last year’s $6,966 allocation that helped fund a part-time coordinator.
For the most part, however, the Town supports the senior center, not the county. Town Finance Director Maria De Goede said the 2025 senior center budget is $44,230. The center does not participate in the county lunch program.
The next general public comment opportunity is 11:30 a.m. Sept. 16. The preliminary budget hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Dec. 1.
Staci Baird is the managing editor of La Conner Community News.
