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Jeffersonians want to keep rent fees
(by Sandi Latimer, staff writer - March 03, 2010)
Jeffersonian Senior Citizens Center Inc. is like many of its members these days—working hard to make ends meet.
Leaders of the newly incorporated organization appeared before West Jefferson Village Council March 1 to ask to keep the rental fees they collect from other groups who rent the center, located behind Village Hall. Normally, they turn the fees over to the village.
Groups that rent the center for activities or meetings pay $50 and must follow house rules, which include turning down the heat in the winter and adjusting it in warmer months so the air conditioner doesn’t run.
“We’re trying to be conservative,” said Jeffersonians president Virginia Miller. “If you would let us keep the (rental) money, it would help us operate.”
The senior center recently became a distribution point for federal commodities to older adults who fall under poverty guidelines. As such, the Jeffersonians must hold a 501(c)3 non-profit status, Miller said.
The 126-member group is incorporated through the state, has a new name, and is looking for additional funds.
Membership in the seniors group is $2 a year for people 50 or older. The group organizes fund-raising meals and mails out a regular newsletter.
The cost of the newsletter is eating into the group’s treasury, Miller said.
While she and other members are recruiting more people to join the group, she said the organization appreciates monetary donations from businesses and other organizations.
In other business, council approved designated parking signs for the Jefferson Medical Center, 35 S. Twin St., and Flyer’s Pizza, 121 W. Main St. Both businesses have parking for their customers, but area residents have used it improperly of late.
“Because of the snow, residents have been parking in (the business) lots and some have been staying there overnight,” Hockenbery said.
The legislation allows the village to issue permits for customer-only parking. Those businesses then have the authority to call a towing service to remove illegally parked vehicles.
Council’s next meeting is March 15 at 7 p.m. Hockenbery hopes to bring before council more information on the water and sewer surcharge. Prior to the regular meeting, council will meet at 6 p.m. to address rumors about plans for land up for annexation south of the proposed grocery store lot at routes 142 and 40.
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